ot 


a : : 5 Talat ope 
an eovnay ia : SPY Spits se 


Pdiaieoten tee 
ston races 
Wane nonde: a map 


POP ae Ree 


na) 


SSN 


ST 
wey sf 4 
SMart ' Sinan aN tnlatateete 


5 , ler g 
Sf : ; rf 


: : ela 
PIS ane 2 : : ah y ty : RAnatatstaletd : I ennt at eeat alate 


ROA ar a 


Sapa sa ae 


‘ os Ad ws 
ry - ; ; : ct ‘ Ht reste , : TINTS 
SSA tiny ; : Y . Samananaiee ‘ KK 
ss any "4 . K hee Satria 


Poth te SPP ISL . 7s 7 PAPA Pad, eae 


mre KOs 
rr 
aA NS ON SH 


Pele fhe 


RE AACE ata 
KE wage? t Sa lsunive 
RRR Rae 


Poh ata AX ‘4 
ys t , a . ate 
Sate e tea at 


SS 


Se 
Petey te ‘ 


‘=: 
SEE 
Fanta PREP 


: / Ses 
\ a tyre eh gt Atel “ ? . OSA OTES: 
ft P arate . ‘ Xe 


Py Le hone 


Sete 


ih Pee 








MAY 14 1963 

1A sa 
ar aL ey | or GAL ee 
eer 











PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Digitized by the Internet Archive 
In 2022 with funding from 
Princeton Theological Seminary Library 


https://archive.org/details/pioneersoflightfOObarn 


ait | 


co? ne 
eee of 


a 
‘S Pp 4 
iene 








BENJAMIN GRIFFITH 
General Secretary,’ 1857-1893 


y 
ae 
PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


The First Century of 
The American Baptist Publication Society 
1824-1924. 


THE GROWING LIGHT 
By ee 


LEMUEL CALL BARNES 


Author of ‘Shall Islam Rule Africa,”’ ‘* Two Thousand Years of Missions Before Carey,’’ ‘‘ Elemental 
Forces in Home Missions,”’ ‘‘ Intensive Powers on the Western Slopes,”’ etc. 


THE CREATIVE PIONEERS 


By 
MARY CLARK: BARNES 


Author of ‘‘Athanasia,”” ‘* The New America,”’ ‘‘ Stories and Songs for Teaching English,” 
** Neighboring New Americans,”’ etc. 


APPENDIX 


By 
EDWARD M. STEPHENSON 


Twenty-eight years in the Sunday School Work of The American Baptist Publication Society 
. 


ay: 
I 


PHILADELPHIA 
THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
BOSTON CHICAGO LOS ANGELES 


KANSAS CITY SEATTLE TORONTO 


Published by 
The General Board of Promotion 
of the Northern Baptist Convention 
for 
The American Baptist Publication Society 


Composition and Presswork by 
THE JUDSON PRESS 
Philadelphia, Pa., U.S.A. 


~ FOREWORD 


b) 


THE creative principle of a Christian ‘“ Publication’ society 
may well be stated in words of the highest inspiration: “ Ye 
are the LIGHT of the world. A city set on a hill can not be 
hid. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under the bushel, 
but on the lamp-stand; and it SHINEs to all that are in the 
house. Thus let your light shine before men, that they may 
see your good works and glorify your Father who is in 
Rea vetle sag 

The development of this Christlike work in its many phases 
through one hundred years can be briefly summarized. “ The 
way of the righteous is as the clear light, shining more and 
more, to the noon-day.”’ * 

Publication is highly specialized and manifold in its mech- 
anisms. But personality is so much the most vital element 
that the story is told in two parts, The Growing Light and 
the Creative Pioneers. For ready reference the Appendix 
is the most important part of the volume. 

As time goes on, centuries passing into millenniums, the 
story will become more and more interesting because so much 
of it is told in the very words of the creators of the history. 
It is written from the sources. But attempt is made to have 
it at the same time clear by analysis and vital by genetic 
treatment. 


1 Matt. 5: 14-16; Prov. 4: 18. Scripture quotations in the present volume are 
appropriately from the Society’s own ‘‘ Improved Edition ” of 1912. 


wf, yi coe r ve 
ty “7 ay " 





CONTENTS 


iPodncd olt 


THE GROWING LIGHT 


CHAPTER PAGE 
INTRODUCTION, ORIGINATIVE ATMOSPHERE ELECTRIC ..........0e0eee8s 1-17 
DEN Ne RAL OFM CIENTIFIC® F ROGRESS?S ait sc anes cee ce cee y 5 
CRLOEMOCRAG YA: EER ENDING we fh tokinns oe vl eoe hale ss loietelatts Ga des 4 
Dee DUIGATION SM VVRDEN TN Gite cis ere aie % cos sir ote ee hehe ain ie Won acdew as 6 
ASCE ICANT FH RORVOA Ty AurLIGH® LIDE «47. oa 4 wise slo soe tin te hotness 9 
SEUJRGANIZATIONSINATHESAIRG Wtee ie fa he weterwiad whis clae ale ate 10 
ee aE OA PH IRR ENC UGLY Ribstal rit cgcioitn & cle aaaeree aie ake pisie he's 12 
PRILDARIONG)) OLCE SUE ROM TI NDEAT eres teeeiy oh wate ied dail 12 
Ser TRONGUEALINOURMVVESTERN OUNDLAINS Hoel icles fide oie e)s ala ele aie 14 
De MIGHTY APPEAL AGORA LIONEERS lcd tat cect pb ke cats ES 
LUMO PTIMIS MPA SCE DAN Tera . vt dao pens wtaete eave. oid ais oc 16 


DIVISION ONE 
GROWING SUPPLIES OF LIGHT 


eT ITPEUECIN NING CO URACTOUM A (on ax ania Grate vce sche ab djirs ee ee a8 18-33 
DI EIN OMIN ALIS DEGIN NING fos cco to Mig ta ka SON wa ewes 18 
Pe tiR A WN PORERUNNERG 2 ac Lu scans elite Se Bete delh ates 19 
Mam TORY GOP RC IRIGI Na weet ltrs Cah aie tb paeihiet eialyraslen ere cis tate Ze 
PERT ERS COVICINAT | STORIES ieiktes te eae venae cco: 21. 
PETRA NSN Fe CLE TCA TION fot, Sates fe hie et cachet esate & Gos e aia whore akin 28 
PUM eSATA LOG Sn tun, avn ct dee es Wee paca gs Pte neds 30 
A ODER NALN STANCE 2 nha ot Sn ak es wabre is boele Shoe viene 31 
BME MEA LY aN BMS ce kyo Sait lary nr rorutate YA Ci cakh eg ek t's hetero & Se 
PEE MTT NITA Let (GROW TEL Co Wise cdotatet st Shak nis vod a ie Sires eee 6 Brave ae 
Mme mT Bell LY REN HOOK S02 piv ace ate lot ae ot Wk 4 oe be ew kOe va elaceaie ° 34-43 
Lees) CORRES TRL LAlee 2 tetay can nt client Uae ahaha: eve ca) ol eters at dies 34 
IGMIDEAT EN EL NMS OOK Siar att. ah th trash Esa ioe a's vekeie aD 35 
EDA TI MGAT LOO Soe one a rors ck aid hc mee 6 ely cheus ass 35 
COMET CUE DASSIGH NO © eelew upon teste ahs Doles a vite ete ss ws seas 37 
Pam ISTORVIZAND. GLOGRAPEY =, ote Werte oe Gace oe ows Pll Ss 39 
PELE ROLOGY ISN DAM ICTION  . hov decane etdod atte fac deies etal ss 39 
RY aRS ORM OT LLM VIC Gos ot ee cee ee ee AE ia ee MO Ste ave tee hee 41 


Sime THORSHIE. AND xT DITING.() cOtes ce okt os caice Sas w aha obee tis 42 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER 


ITE. PERIODICALS, HYANDEOOKS, AND HISTORYagn eee eee eee 
20,00. HE SBLETADES -- 22° os oe icceche 
29:-OURPMANY-NAMED v5... os soln de ee eee e eee 
30.2 LEE WYOUNG RIREAPER sus. cette ee Cee ee 
SLA GREATS JOURNALS feild o's cs atin eee Hate ee 
32o 0 HE MILKY WAY Ge os wee cisco ct ee 
33, BONDS) OF UNITY) 5 2 hG ccc ee Le el eee 
34; DENOMINATIONAL DIMENSIONS ‘u. opovs ens dele ee 
302 DISTINCTIVE | MESSAGE Uy”. £513 ae oe te eee 
36. CONFESSIONS? OF +E AITH race vata.) eee eee ee 
o/s, HISTORICAL AIDEPARE MENT) 4 (aa. aa foe eee 
38.HISTORICAL  SOCIETVg an het cites eee 


IV. -THEsBook*0F7B00KS\.4, ete ee ee 
39, CREATORS OF THE GREAT BIBLE SOCIETIES .......... 
40. Protest AGAINST NARROWNESS .............e.00-. 
41. AMERICAN AND ForeEIGN BIBLE SOCIETY ........... 
42.” Lut AMERICAN wBIBLEs UNIONI ies. pte ee ee 
43,5 GONSOLIDATIONS «acy etan © oe eee) arene 
440 ACTIVITY: Veen ati sae ae Ae Se ee ee 
455,AN IMPROVED, EDITIONS: 2 iecee eee ee eee 
460 X POSITIONS ge ce eee eee Sis eth ae ah Se eee 


DIVISION TWO 
GROWING TRANSMISSIONS OF LIGHT 


VV... COLPORTAGE® 3 os "on oe dee ee ee eee 
47 PERSONALs PORTAGE (iso. cos Eaten oe 
48°: SUNDRY? METHODS: .’... .) 1.0 o.kn eee ee 
49. COMMISSIONED MEN ...¢., c¢4024. / ose 
50, EMPLOYED MEN’ 2. .;..4, 0.4 suead bee 
ol. ESSENTIAL, PIONEERING! o../00e2y eo 
52.. IN, PoLyGtor Cities 2, ots 
53.° CARRYING TON). | eee ces Hct te 


~ VIL CONVEYANCES ©.) nc eee em | 
94. PACK-BASKETS AND HAND-BAGS ...........00..0 008 
55. SADDLE-BAGS AND ONE-HORSE WAGONS ............ 
96. MopEL COLPORTAGE..WAGGNS . 25.0 
97, AUTOMOBILES, . cos So dee eee 
98: GOSPEL CRUISERS u7s.02. cu ee ae ee 
99. CHAPEL? CARS? niu. So). ee eee 
60.. AUTO’ CHAPEL” CARS). =. .aenie tte eee 
61, WHat. NEXT?) 238 cs... eee ne ee eee 


ashe 81-95 
a aha eke 81 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 
VEL PESTIN DA Vie OT OOLS/ claw ctr ere tie loots FEN tle Ake cad ok Walesa ws 112-149 
Gem DOPTING ST HISENEMARIOOLTION UE: ea eee cere cso oie ere ditars 112 

DSaee ELEM PTE Die LUX PANG IONGMEE. Const NGnie any iy tt iy eratp ws ¢es508 116 

Ce SUNDA YIOGHOOE DOOKSHAND. EABRARIES® os. 2 as Gas! hide aes 120 

Ome AIN MOIRTGIN AIBA OOURGCIMRE a oie en Ske, No ee ae ca! 123 

66. THE MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL UNION ......... 125 

67. THE NEw ENGLAND SABBATH SCHOOL UNION ........... 127 
CSMVLH Ee CrROVINGH LRIBUTAR YO ict toe ths oe ear oe I Bs Woosh. Nas 129 

SUM LIN TO Neve ONS UMM ATED ste pee eee eerie ed lee ee Bla woe oe 13) 

{UNE INEWRLOAVE SPOKESMAN Be ta ey de Cats asda es pra 133 
AigesUNDAY=SCHOOL MIM ISSIONARIES* Orr, ee Cae hen Sateen ee ean 135 
TOPHELESTANDEONIFORMPLESSONG 0 fa Re 2 teers whet ales 137 
VMSA DE DMI VESSON St Mee ir ae ee RE ae oes Lee Pe eed 140 

Am IGH @LENSION @LRANSMISSION, G08. fe5 oo cu cieters oes obs 142 

RL eel oMatARGING® RELIGIOUS (LEDUGATION 7) sy ulster visas a4 cine aisle ocatg aie 6 150-173 
Sm MPROVEMENT> OF (HEA SUNDAY! SCHOOL) ic 0.2 s bese cues 150 

oe LEACTIER-TRALN ING? iW ee Oh: Oe ee ce ee a utee mh Evins ole 151 
TEAGISISTI NEE? LIEPART MENT fee sole oe ds whe wraals Rho a sods 154 

] SN AITITOR GRVVOR KGS fy ORME re ct eh ote e Oe ates eee kteiae Meee f 155 

(SES PUCTRI CHAP OUIN SEL PURI RNS aie cate cf cea anions pda ease Ms 156 
ROUMCONVENTIONSE AND LLSTITUTES pecs: tees anne aoe Dot 157 

SSE SOM MERMOASSEMBLIES oe. seien Sa: tend ah oa eee ote Ve 158 

Sat ORRESPON DEN CEE COURSES tucrc. ot Maer abate mcaums 4 ie dwt 158 

DOMES PA RGR AIIL CU RE myers Wee ee were De eet ely vent 8 Sk cce B 160 

DAMN RUFITECTURA PanUPULRT Met phere ee ease a oie a gk the re ese st 161 

Me SCAR ARDS Wane Ma. Teak R Sh, fia gal.og wena che yl widtcleue ys 5 kee at 162 

BEM CE WVARDSHIP ALU CA BONG ct tere otatsig vig S gine aise eietn bcs dats 164 
RIMENITESIONARY STOUCATION © eecat. sb on lens Mee ketal wee 165 

Ser ATI VeSV ACATIONG BIBLE: SCHOOLS: ss oc 5 cules cata a be ua ae 167 

89. PUBLIC-SCHOOL TIME RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION ........... 169 
PeMEECLATM SERVICER RM Cer Mtnni reer tery ne Oh, hy SREP E CS mec 171 

DIVISION THREE 
GROWING PRODUCTION OF LIGHT 

Pee T RRL sUIRGANISM alr hee ee ee ee eee Pe Re: 176-199 
OTeeeMOCRATIC. CONSTITUTIONS te cle cc. lan deekwe lees. eben 176 

eS OARTQORS Vi ANAGERS Bien cut lovhel whe, heen ood ea ea Le el ss 177 

Viet XEOUTIVES ANDELEPARTMENTS®: & cold rik cee ake 179 

Date ST ANULNG»s (COMMITTEES 05) cia, 4 Bey Gls eb crn ot cad cele 181 

Be DOUBLE MOSTAR cena tice et er eet tte lac RK cree c. 183 


96. 


PLEA DOWARTERS SEs catenin ce Deere phe Rieti 8 eee oe. me 184 


CONTENTS 








CHAPTER PAGE 
97. /PRINTING-HOUSE 10... << 5 + wig't's's ele sinagtele a ae ols eee 

O8: *INCOME ©. oss 2x bese obs pecs oc ets tig oe laieechete hee tales ene 193 

09. Ways (AND UMEANS ©, 2 23,.4 s/c Sisters alete de aise ues ores 2 Seem 194 

LOOJBEN DOW MENTS hon sane e aes FP CRN pe Sy 5 & 199 

X. “Fev (CONTACTS icc ial ss ec ian whee eee hee ee 200-225 
1012 DEGREESS OF! MEMBERSHIP. (6) vaees Dae fs be ae ees 200 

102 AUXILTARIES 703) eee ahaa oe Seeds ee aie oe ea 201 

103. ANNUAL “MEETINGS 23 330. Ones tents ee eae 202 

104. DEPOSITORIES "ANDi BRANCHES J ci eae eee ee eee 202 

105, AGENTS: AND= DISTRICTS i295 c59 tee ea tes oe ee 204 

1062 EARLY INTERSOCIETY RELATIONS 20.4 2. 1 susan eee 207 
107.+A.. BRIGHTS FOREGEEAMVs.3 <a ce alee eee nee 208 

108° NorTHERN BAPTIST: CONVENTION J.:...00 otse .see se cee eee 210 

109: .WitH Our: YOUNGER BROTHER: jonah ne celeritete eee 211 

1102: WITH} OTHER DENOMINATIONS a2.5 ei. eevee ne 220 

DIVISION FOUR 
GROWING SPHERES OF LIGHT 

AI). CLASSES OF /PEOPL Bie. 0 Ure rate o cken aay nie ate ee pseu iF re 226-236 
111. MEMBERS AND MINISTERS ............. "y de bac eee 226 
112.Boys (AND: |GIRLS*.45 304. eee a ee 229 

113. -YouNG:, PEOPLE’ 3.42. a ees ee ee 229 

114. PEOPLE. (AT LARGE 45.45 Gs dh ee fe eee 235 

ATT: REGIONS: OFX EARTH 4 ls eae Pelee Le ee 237-259 
115." ABORIGINAL AMERICA | soefy.c obec gece ules ae ele ene ne 237 

116. THe GREAT * VALLEY cis elec ee ce ee 237 

117) WESTERN SLOPES 9.00). lc) aoe ee 2 ee 240 

118. THe SUNNY. SOUTH Ware lee ee 241 

119, “THE COLORED “SOUTH}4).. bc case pple os le Lee 245 

120, TXUROPEAN AMERICA’ |i jc1w ge oceans ceca re ee 247 

121. .CANADA: AND :-LATIN| AMERICA weegs oe ee ee 248 

122. Crasstc? EuROPE Jia}. cotedics an been bee ee 249 

123. GERMANY... es ea ee ee See 249 

124. SWEDEN (oi5 5 ge Heo. Ses ous eis Hal os es 253 

125." West | AFRICA 45550 0:2 ck es bv oe oath es ee eee 254 

126. SouTH:. AFRICA |. % fucc ovs's.« ) ak acts (en en oan ea 255 

127. BURMA so. s Seiees cus dig's wie kts Mis eas ie he ete ee 256 

128. \ CHINA,” vistas calteaeunedd ce item cles oe ee 257 

129. THE: SEVEN} SEAS * . 3: se'oe.n cape (oe 258 

UM MARY | a0 5 dase bk wrcly aretha seg craatae Se are ae ae Re ance ee 260-263 


CONTENTS 


bepanieedk 18 


CREATIVE PIONEERS 


CHAPTER PAGE 
PEBLOUNDERSS era lo thas cir ake tide ce ate ok Dane «ea ws ject 267-288 
POW ISILTE Pe Wi 1Chmerrie ae er ie een CE eng tee oh Ss 267 

PRN ALLIA Men TA UGELTONM ilotistints 10 ata os sien hia dno c Gates hue 280 

0)! Re il Gia Nop Ee RN i ar en a ene ig eS a 282 
BORN VIPER ELA NSAP Letra ee enna pear vur en! 2. ok 284 

SACO TA DIA FL ALO RO WIN aLiiie os ee a eels Oh onoten tie ea alee 285 

SE PORT RAV OODars sense ee aac oe RON tenia cians ee AA ws 285 
JUANES CLIMIGNOWLES Ba ceo ts thr cote be scnec seas te oi ok 285 

SEA MULE VORNELT USM Sembein am wre ue LC orale td Ghee. 8 286 
SVEN TH oy SRO Witt soy BUNCE? 1s O00 SSO ca SCAT Jer aA Ae pe ae 286 

RUN OATS LA VESRuaue, © reine fe ds cocer 1G MeL, 2M onda ae aa es oes 287 
DCSE ILO ena SN aan eSimart ee Gee nce, Na Gia does See MR de 289-302 
URE ECE WE Wa WTA Ov Oh, 4 Ue gle A eet lpia ayatea Oe Ate OM A 289 

PaO EN TAN LN@Nee COX LE Vee gcce a eee re cane, peated tee Aes UE 290 

Pom ORGA NG PUICTIERS. Sup igiue a cay ANA oye an are Sy 290 

La OH NG MUASON (PECK oi fe rcunecah ae teres BE Wah hes WAS eh wit d 6 291 
PEL OMUA GROOM VEATCOM tails ah taius ce 2 tains scala hicnle Sosg hw o/s 297 
LORIE DAL et ROOK S Hh: i te ered cia hott ok oo aan etae aol ace 298 

yee NCA NARIZENGOLN dete, Wore tin feet Civaa hike seat bcos. fee 299 

PS MOVV ILLIA MMOFADRACH PM ialie iin ant a alaticsiG uous irda es os Pa. 

EEL CMAN DWNT ON SIS ROWAN ai at ie cal aee acts Aidate net ath eicieie se 301 

ERM TE ERIC TORS 25 cha a0 aaa cath, o ae oooh wale ee hia hl wale biahrals 303-318 
SAUER AMIN GAaRIFRITH © so so ls 00 ed Gata nics Wetete a 'slicn wie ain ie 303 

SPL ete RICE’ CO ROZER Mie Wits wate whe Wien l ok we alee ale Ga nee 310 
SME CLIA MM UUCK NEL uci te tent Cee ta aca: Ghacds wiehld wea es 3 313 

ee EORGRL NV ee AUN DERSON Shc tiate Ene tere eae & kiaaha ee nue ns ac 314 

AS UNO ICM abd DOS SOC np yi pe ele aera ee en a ed A rd 5 LS 
PETES RLES TEL PUANES Wis 0 ern act tice Tee Ce ei sk Of 316 
PAM NIBA Mi 7) WDSON LROWLAND..¢ 0b foes ones Sieh e ee wee cs 316 
CMON EN SION NV ORK MEN 1¢ cachet net eas Waddie ds edistee es occ 319-348 
ees MeV VLA BSTTING GS, Gos SVEN ETON Corona aig he iatelet Cal ao tbee eno e Ries 319 

BOM \ ARBRE Nod CAIN DODELH (ei art hate ky ple ts eB ase ote, a haa, oe eis 320 

mee HURG IOs | et LOH SON chek cae Rsnceir gm Vente Feber May’ EL is Gea Sh leus 321 

pa AMORA EME ES TUTE ee ect te Atte cies soe Ta a igh ule ag Je 

SE ee GUNS iy. oa te Me rete hl Wales ORs dm apis eat 


PEEPS SION CUTEST] ah ON tet Met ea ec ae ig Getic s anol a eel af stein We dune. tae. 323 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

30. PWILLIAM “COLGATE, 2 55 0-<.a0e ie et ee er ne 324 

34: RoBERT, GILLEN’ SEYMOUR ai. an eee ee 327 

35. GHARLES Ho 4SPALDING® \.c, paces 328 

36. Boston “W:.SMITH)"; d..3/ocu bape ee 328 

37. Davip Bir WARD =... Sei ete ak coe ee 329 

SOPs Bo EDMUNDS’ \.\hncoc ci eee See ele ne ee 329 

39; CHARLES RHOADS) 375% ie eee ete ea 329 

40, E.. M: ‘STEPHENSON (.) 04 2S care ee ee ee 330 

41>> WitBEerT. Ri HOWELL: <oets sak cease ee 330 

42. GEORGE.” Ee WHITES Ete tee re ee ee 330 

43. HENRY. STEVENSON. WASHBURN |a5000 cate ce ee ee ey! 

44. Mrs.2M eG KENNEDY 220. oe tc ee Bs 2 Ps 

45. Miss MAY “FE MCKEAN‘, ch eae eee) ee 332 

46. POINDEXTER S; JHENSONMs ee ar ee ee Boz. 

47, HENRY Ga WESTON: So. en ee 333 

48. CHRISTOPHER RUBEY BLACKALLIL Oo eet nee 336 

49.) HOWARD @MALCOME ) wou Pals) tel ee teen tes 338 

50: JOSEPH Hei KENNARD Oe sbi sett eens eee ee 339 

51. WILLTAMe'T. © BRANTLY. J. ae one, ene 340 

52: JAMESGIE, ZH OWARD 2.7) ee ee 340 

23."' SAMUEL! Avo’ GROZER” aes ee 341 

54.°WiILLTAM HOWARD (DOANE Vaveeeun eae 342 

99. Wi Gat BRIMSON Das. vse Meee ne eee 342 

06. FRANK? H-CROBINSON4 3 hem ache 343 

57,, ERNEST. WEIGH» DUSTIN Bae eee a 343 

28.: JACOB GARRETT: WALKER -. 008, ee ee 344 

59.. WILLIAM: WILLIAMS: KEEN. 25. 0.0 ee 345 

60., HARRY S. Hopper? .)..¢ 2.0 Poe ae 346 

Ol.) VETERANS OF THE! SERVICE 5 ga 6. <2 eee 347 

V. On THE CENTURY "DIVIDE, of 0; SL ye ee eee 349-355 

62... UNRECORDED “FRIENDS: . 4062 'ece ee ee cae 349 

63. LeapING-- WOMEN: ‘9:29, 008 ia a 350 

64; PIONEERS *OF TODAY? 3y. 4 sone oe ee eee 351 

APPENDIX 

THE: CORPORATE ‘TITLES-OF THE SOCIETY 7.10) op ete, Lee 359 

CONSTITUTION OF THE BApTist GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY .............. 361 
CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN Baptist PUBLICATION AND SUNDAY 

SCHOOL | SOCKET fy... SER eccie i a conker 363 


CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN Baptist PUBLICATION SOCIETY AS 
ADOPTED IN 1845 


CONTENTS 


PAGB 
CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY AS 
PARGI DEDML NecLOo pele ae Reine RMT MMMED, rete Chee INP ee ees, oss oa 367 
CONSTITUTION OF THE AMERICAN Baptist PUBLICATION SOCIETY AS 
PAN OEIES LINEAL OOS Le stunt os Manor TPE eI, sictds ae oe le attra a bok eis ele walG 369 
By-LAws oF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY ADOPTED AT 
Cuicaco, May 11, 1910, wirh AMENDMENTS ADOPTED IN 1914 AND 


ALLL) Meet wc PM eT TE ELS «Cee SNe CS my Ehhche Goi att ace bs o/s 
CHARTER—AN Act TO INCORPORATE THE AMERICAN Baptist PUBLI- 
CAMONS SOCIETY “A NDF OUPPLEMENTS “CHERETO: (di ccs lod eRe wae eas 374 
By-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT 
POLE TY MPA See CLD FSH EDAINULOOO Loe oe aie aeik bi hae oe atte eee Pee ee Yes 
BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST 
TAUBLICATION | SOCIETWAAS SE UBLISHED IN 31000) wee 1 Uk Oo Bas cae Shee bres 380 
lov PA WSPOPS THE TDOARD ASMA DOPTEN TIN 1107 las.oy sche ae hes cea citeloss 383 
DNEWMARTICLESSADDED TO THE I Y-LAWSIOF, 19/ le se on vic'e ofa eile tote ce bes 385 


By-LAWS OF THE BoArD OF MANAGERS OF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST 
PUBLICATION SocIETY ADOPTED IN 1919 witH AMENDMENTS UP TO 


PC Ce ee ene or Ae wt ees Ramey tk hehe, TO EA oe TE Bel 388 
OFFICERS, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, AND OFFICERS OF THE BOARD ..... 399 
HEADQUARTERS OF THE SOCIETY IN THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS ........ 409 
THE Dates AND PLAcES oF HoLpING ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE 

OCT LY meen tee Ore een nC. et de, Ce Le aN ame ee re Meee 410 
SUM MARIPSTORMACHIEVEMENTS JAND OOTATISTICS bow uu. wiod et slelscsd else ate 413 
PUN NALGHORET HES (GOLDEN GCENTURY Oo ooo. eis orn le cele ocho thle cid cus 415 
PE UMATAR Ye ObREIGH LY tY BARS* SERVICE cogiats ccs Save adie leaden s 428 
A CHART SHOWING THE DISTRIBUTION OF WorRKERS FOR EIGHTY YEARS. 429 
PETER TECH IBISING @LOTAL: LSSUES -).:oncllete ctee's ¢otved Nea Petie oder sca 430 
peat et NS cs ye Scere Bete tas the vu alien as eas ewe eat 430 
eee eV SRM See ees ee A ook ek rats ots toca kistey a Pethory oiore ele ctlata wus 431 
PROSSNOSET SMES THE. SOCIETY BY “DECADES ass. 0 ep cce case deen obec a's 432 
BeriReE TR RIOTCSON THE SILORD: -c suic siete OR ae Seals date ce ole coe a Gk hale 433 
Bape rUSCHES- IN THE? UNITED STATES, «5. Gee oe sive co dcedne cele 435 
De EDI IRENE Ee, Meret, ), th, eM Male d Hale ccaig 8 wake Biola a ste chats e!¥ a's 437 


Tas eg PF ache ce ale ntsltn tele one dita & eh a won ew btee ee 441 





LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


OPPOSITE PAGE 


Benjamin-Griffith, General Secretary, 1857-1893.......... Frontispiece 
Editorial on “ Baptist General Tract Society” in “The Columbian 
Star,” February SER. NOPE, pak, Ri ore er WS Tinea: aah ei a POE 8 
Article in “The Columbian Star” Showing the General Tract Society 
Was Advocated in View of Unmet Needs ........cccccceccneccees 12 
Original Account of the Organization of The Baptist General Tract 
SPREE AT AES (pc AER SEA PRS A Fi ae ao eeherdl (oti ee a a 16 
Birthplace of the Society and Home of “The Columbian Star,’ No. 
O23 and, INO. 925 Es Street;,.N. W.j-Washingion, Di Ceo. in es lb en ce 22 
Cover-page of “ The Latter Day Luminary,” February, 1824 ........ 30 
Portion of First Page of “The Columbian Star,’ February 14, 1824.. 44 
First Page of “ The Baptist Tract Magazine,’ January, 1829 .......... 48 
Title-page, and Opening of John’s Gospel, in the Russian Bible ........ 76 
Rev. Amos Robinson, Colporter-Missionary for Many Years in the 
POOP MT SOLE VAR CLLLOL SURE er hiere tang tee an ca eats ander kegs hess kita * 82 
Colporter Explaining the Way of. Life to a Group of Men in Pioneer 
MO SELIM ee, ae em ERO TAS NERC 3 Mee old oee Gine ei oo os ohn oi 88 
A Baptism by a Colporter-Misstonary in an Ancient Aztec Reservoir 
RSH IUC SEL e COLO Om sinc. «oh LNs woah sete aa beets e's ain eked e's 94 
The First Colportage Wagon, Jackson, Mich., E. M. Stephenson, Sun- 
i SEODLE tS ShONUEYV witit. CHO C® ts ac khdls olin Vi ewe ork hwe est 98 


The First Colportage Automobile Equipment Sent Out by The American 
Baptist Publication Society—Colporter D. B. Ward Carrying His 


Peete MESSE I C11 nn See te she Ge ce Ro Seo a we ea dives Ea 100 
The “J. Lewis Crozer,’ Missionary Cruiser in the Netherlands of 
REGO T Tee 5. aR SS Iie Wien i Ayah SOE shat OR Ly OR 104 
A Group of Converts in Connection with Chapel-Car Meetings at 
eee EET AT OF MIO ice ks cca VRE i 6 ea ne RE vl ae otek» Rae a edi s 108 
Chapel Car Auto No. 1, “ Crawford Memorial” ............ 0.0.0 eee 110 
Letter from I. M. Allen to Jesse L. Holman, Agar a Baptist 
SENET O DL) LOM ae ee a ainuc » ckole ae eg ho ae bs Saeed 116 
_Cover-page of “ The Sabbath-school Gleaner,” September, 1841 ...... 120 
Warren Randolph, D. D., Sunday School Secretary, 1871-1877 ....... 1360. % 
Christopher Rubey Blackall, D. D., In’Rome, at Age of Seventy ..... 142 
Daily Vacation Bible School at Coeur d’Alene, Idaho ............... 160 
Vacation Bible School in Long Beach, California .............00005- 168 
Headquarters of the Society at 530 Arch Street, Philadelphia ....... 184 


The Society’s First Building at 1420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia... 190 
em eer EO UUCINGs F NUGGEIDING =, Finis ak ees a tee eee a Ps ee otal 196 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 








OPPOSITE PAGE 


The Roger Wilhams Buildings. Seo. os ee ee ee 200 
The, Judson-Press Building oe ial. oes ac ee ee 208 
Corner of the Composing-room, The Judson Press Building .......... yA WA 
Shipping Department, The Judson Press Building ............cecce. 216 
Stitching Department, The Judson Press Building .......2..00ceeeees 220 
Officers and Workers of the Society Who Bequeathed Sons to Con- 
fine. the? VOr Rees sa ey eee Fo a ate Te ae I ee ee 228 
Officers and Workers of the Society Who Bequeathed Sons to Con- 
tinue -the= W ork: (continued) 1 ole. se. ee ae ee ee 240 
Luther Rice, Pioneer in Organization and Education .............64- 268 
Page from Journal of Luther Rice, Showing Receipts and Expendi- 
tures on a Trip from Washington to Philadelphia in 1820 ......... 280 
Wilham Bucknell, Board Member for Forty-nine Years ............ 314 
Adoniram Judson Rowland, D. D., LL. D., General Secretary, 1895- 
LOTT miviegy cee ed £5 Tiel Baba See eee Ae CR 318 
William ‘Colgate; Early and Keliablec Friend aan ocean oe ee 324 
Howard Malcolm, D.. D., Vice-president, 1851-1854 .... 0... ccceccae 338 
Gubert No Brink; General iS eccretary a eee ee eee 340 
Wilham H. Main, Associate General Secretary ....0..!.0.4....2224. 342 
Officers of the Society and Members of the Board in 1924 ........... 344 
Members of the Board in 1924 (continued) 2.5280. eee 346 
Members of the Board tn 1924 (continued) ...........1.¢.26..00.4 2. 348 
Personnel of the Business Department in 1924 .........c0.cceccevcee 350 
Personnel of the Business Department in 1924 (continued) .......... 352 


Personnel of Social Education, Bible and Field, and Religious Edu- 
cation DepartinentSy 1924 ec cah ok e e e  r 354 


PART I 


THE GROWING LIGHT 


By LEMUEL CALL BARNES 


INTRODUCTION 


ORIGINATIVESAEMOSPHERE SEE ECT RIG 


Mental tension was marked in 1824, as it is in 1924. In 
the genesis of The American Baptist Publication Society 
cosmic forces were active. “God is light,” that is, radiant 
energy of all kinds. If we are to understand the times our 
receiving instrument must be “ tuned in.’? The intensity of the 
atmosphere was marked in several respects. It was actively 
progressive, deeply democratic, widely educational, and keenly 
philanthropic. 


1. An Era of Scientific Progress 


In the realm of applied science it was a time when the minds 
of men were astir with new and wonderful progress. ‘Trans- 
portation was undergoing complete revolution. The rivers 
and coasts were athrob with new power, steam propelled boats.. 
In 1817 the first transatlantic steam packet line was organized 
to ply between New York and Liverpool. Miles of canals 
were transforming internal trade and travel. The epoch- 
making Erie Canal was nearing completion. Writing by 
shorthand had just been invented. In the healing art “ water 
‘cure’ and homeopathy were performing their first miracles. 
In physical illumination, according to the judgment of Alfred 
Russell Wallace, the recent invention of the friction-match 
was the most tremendous advance since the first prehistoric 
flint spark. Even greater was the Argand lamp. Greeks and 
Romans created beautiful bronze and silver lamps as light- 
holders, but the principle of illumination was unchanged from 
the rudest primitive times till the strong, steady light of an 
‘“ Argand burner” came into wide use one hundred years ago, 


[3] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








For the first time there was adequate light for evening reading 
and other night work. 


2. Democracy Deepening 


In the spread of popular political enlightenment the hour 
was still more marked. With all the preceding talk about 
men being free and equal, actual government in the United 
States had been in the hands of a landed and cultured 
aristocracy. In 1824, John Quincy Adams was elected Presi- 
dent by the House of Representatives. His favorite phrase 
was “the rule of the people.’ But even he was counted by 
the rising democracy “an aristocrat.” The candidate who 
had received the largest number of electoral votes was Andrew 
Jackson, who at the next presidential election was chosen 
President by an overwhelming majority. He stood for the 
enthronement of the common people. Between the agitation 
for political democracy in 1824 and for industrial democracy 
in 1924, runs the first century of the diffusion of popular light 
by The American Baptist Publication Society. Its work has 
been one stream of radiance out of traditional darkness into 
the new day when the sun is to shine upon all mankind alike. 
Few people now are aware of the tremendous revolution which 
was going on 1n the first quarter of the nineteenth century. It 
was far deeper politically than the so-called ‘“‘ Revolution ” in 
the last quarter of the previous century. When our republic 
was formed less than one-third of the entire adult white male 
population was given the ballot. But every State admitted 
after 1812 provided for manhood suffrage. 


Before 1828 every State north of Virginia with the exception of 
Rhode Island had either achieved manhood suffrage or had lowered 
the restrictions on voting to such an extent that practically every 
white male, not a pauper, who had established his residence in a com- 
munity, was entitled to vote. 


The democratization of light at the end of the first quarter 
of the nineteenth century was at a pitch of unparalleled in- 


[4] 


INTRODUCTION 


tensity not alone in the United States; it was at the most con- 
spicuous turn of democratic history on the whole Western 
Hemisphere. It was the moment when in every country south 
of us the Old-World autocracies were being displaced by New- 
World democracies. The popular upheaval had been going on 
for several years. It was precisely in 1824 that our Congress 
by overwhelming majority recognized the new republics of 
New Granada, Buenos Aires, Chili, and Peru. We were first 
to do it. England soon followed. President Monroe had an- 
nounced his famous doctrine the year before. It was in 1822 
that the patriots San Martin and Bolivar met at Guayaquil, 
after their marvelous victories in different regions, to dispose 
of the destinies of South America. In Central America the 
various republics, having thrown off the Spanish yoke, formed 
a federation. In one of them, El Salvador, the junta passed 
a resolution in 1824 favoring annexation by the United 
States in case the imperial troops of Mexico should invade 
Central America. But Emperor Iturbide of Mexico was him- 
self deposed and banished. On returning he was executed 
and a republic established. The atmosphere of the whole New 
World was surcharged with the popularizing of power. 

The Old World was tingling with it, too. The liberation 
of the Greeks from the thraldom of the Turks was the supreme 
topic of thought and feeling in Europe and Western Asia. 
Lord Byron was giving it lyric thrills. He put a Greek 
national anthem into spirited English: 


Sons of the Greeks, arise! 
The glorious hour shines forth, 
And, worthy of such ties, 
Display who gave us worth. 


One of the founders of the Publication Society, Baron Stow, 
ina Fourth of July oration, 1825, tells how this country was 
electrified by the current accounts concerning the land of 
classic tragedy : 


[5] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


ooo 060665000 S0.0.._._ ao 


The cause of the suffering Greeks has been recently a subject of 
general and deep-felt interest. From the Morea the notes of un- 
merited distress broke on our shores, and instead of dying away in 
neglected murmurs, sent an electric thrill of sympathy from one ex- 
tremity of our Union to the other. Their appeals were heard—their 
cause was pleaded, and supplies were sent to alleviate their woes and 
cheer them on to victory. 


3. Education Widening 


In the realm of education the democratic diffusion of light 
was at white heat. In New England famous beginnings had 
been made in early colonial days in common school as well as 
in higher education. In Virginia and elsewhere at first the 
upper classes only were provided for. In some sections noth- 
ing else was wanted. Governor Berkeley as late as 1671 
thanked God that 


there are no free schools nor printing, and I hope we shall not have 
them this hundred years; for learning has brought disobedience, and 
heresy and sects into the world, and printing has divulged them, and 
libels against the best government. God keep us from both. 


In the most favored regions, even, a great sag in popular edu- 
cation had taken place. But it was in 1819 that Horace Mann 
was graduated from Brown. He had earned his way through 
college by teaching school and knew the desperate condition of 
the system or lack of system. He became the foremost apostle 
of a new educational day in Massachusetts, and in fact 
throughout the country. We have not space even to list the 
States which passed laws establishing systems of common- 
school education in the twenties of the nineteenth century. 
Mr. Thomas Jefferson, who lived until 1826, repeatedly urged, 
and made it the guiding idea of his later years, that 

the diffusion of light and education are the resources most to be 


relied on for ameliorating the condition, promoting the virtue, and 
advancing the happiness of man. 


It was the hour when the enlightenment of the people at large 
was pulsating in the atmosphere as never before on this planet. 


[ 6 | 


INTRODUCTION 


The American Baptist Publication Society was an incarna- 
tion of that spirit. In the broad sense of the word educational, 
the entire work of the Society is educational. As its life has 
developed through the century it has come to major more and 
more in education in specific senses, while unfailingly empha- 
sizing Bible, chapel-car, and colportage work. Baptists had 
possessed a college in Rhode Island sixty years, one in New 
York five years, and one in Maine four years. They rejoiced 
also in the fact that one of their faith had made the largest 
contribution to Harvard. The American Baptist Magazine in 
1823 had given a brief “ Memoir of Mr. Thomas Hollis” in 
which it quoted Benjamin Wadsworth, President of Harvard, 
1725-1737, as Saying: 

The late Thomas Hollis, esq., of London, merchant, now gone to 


his everlasting rest, did in his donations to our college far exceed any 
other of its benefactors. 


The matrix of the Publication Society was Columbian College. 
The call for the meeting to organize it was made in the college 
paper “ The Columbian Star.” The chairman of the meeting 
organizing it was Doctor Staughton, President of the College. 
The constitution adopted was drafted by Professor Knowles 
of the college. The letter to Professor Knowles which led to 
the organization had been written by a pastor, Noah Davis, 
who had been a chum of Knowles when they entered that 
College. The treasurer of the Society was Luther Rice, the 
founder and the treasurer of Columbian College. It 1s neces- 
sary to get the story of the beginning of that whole educational 
project in mind in order to understand the dynamic forces 
which brought the Society into being. President Washington 
had repeatedly urged upon Congress the need of a college at 
the capital. In his last appeal, near the close of his second 
term, he said, 

Its desirableness has so constantly increased with every new view 


that I have taken of the subject that I cannot omit the opportunity 
of, once for all, recalling your attention to it. 


[7] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





Washington donated for the purpose fifty shares of the 
Potomac Company which were valued at $22,200. But after 
his death they became valueless by the failure of the company. 
Presidents Jefferson and Madison also urged the undertaking. 
But it was not initiated until the returned missionary Luther 
Rice called upon his recently organized General Convention of 
Baptists in the United States to found it. He secured a site 
of forty-seven acres (between Fourteenth and Fifteenth 
Streets extending about one-half mile northward from Bound- 
ary Street) costing $7,000. A charter was obtained by act 
of Congress approved by President Monroe. A noble breadth 
of view was embodied in this provision: 


Persons of every religious denomination shall be capable of being. 
elected as trustees; nor shall any person either as President, professor, 
tutor, or pupil, be refused admittance into said college, or be denied 
any of its privileges, or advantages thereof for or on account of his 
sentiments in matters of religion. 


The records of the Columbia Historical Society (Vol. 19) 
enable us fairly to feel the high tension of the educational at- 
mosphere in which our Society for the diffusion of light orig- 
inated. Enter for a moment two scenes, the formal ovening 
of the college and its first Commencement. On January 9, 


bo22 


at ten o’clock A. M. the procession formed at the house of Professor 
Chase and moved to the College Chapel. The solemnities were in- 
troduced by prayer by the Rev. Burgess Allison, D. D., then Chaplain 
of Congress, one of the vice-presidents of the General (Baptist) Con- 
vention; the president of the body, the Rev. Robert Semple of Vir- 
ginia, not having been able to attend. The act of incorporation passed 
at the last session of the Congress was read, and from the records of 
the trustees the elections respectively of the members of the faculty. 
The Rev. Obadiah B. Brown, President of the Board of Trustees, then 
rose and addressed the President of the College, the Rev. William 
Staughton, in a few but very appropriate observations, presented him 
with the keys of the edifice and invested him with the prerogatives of 
his office. 

The first Commencement of Columbian College was held on the 


[8] 


J 






Feprvary 14, 1824, 





aeNj0sS=<=<=~SaoasSseeeeeee—> >> S 


Franklin, 74-—An extract of a letter from 
an ofscer of the Franklin 74, dated at Val- 
araiso, Oct. Ist, a eli in the National 
zazette says: ‘ The Franklin sailed from 
Callao on the Sth of August for Mobando, 
and arrived here on the 26th ultimo. A few 
days previously to our leaving Callao, one 
of the young gentlemen (Mr. Kelty) was 
seized with the small pox.—The contagion 
is spreading throughout the ship. We have 
now twenty-two cases, and thus far, previ- 
ous vaccination appears to be no protection. 
Vhe gentleman who brought the disease on 
board had been vaccinated, and his arm ex- 
hibited (so says our intelligent surgeon,) a 
well formed eschar. Midshipman Wads- 
worth, and the commodore’s children, are 
now convalescent from this loathsome dis- 
case. Our surgcon, (Dr. Salter,) is unre- 
mitting in his attention, and has thus far lost 
but two patients. We are fortunate in hav- 
ing a fine large airy ship, by whioh the men 
can be well accommodated.” 





TENE STAR. 





WASHINGTON CITY, 
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1824. 








PRAYER FOR CHILDREN. 

In our lust paper, we intimated an.inten- 
tion to explain our opinions concerning the 
measure recently proposed by the Charles- 
ton Association. It has occasioned some dis- 
cussion ; and, as is usual when a novel pro- 
position is made, the imagination, a much 
more active faculty than the reason, and little 
accustomed to take counsel of its more cau- 
tious associate, has given to the measure in 
question the aspect and complexjon of po- 
tentous mischicf. 

We are not sorry, however, to observe 
the sensitive alarm which has been felt. It 
is, indeed, unnecessarily excited in this case; 
but occasions may arise, in which it will be 
found a vigilant guardian of the purity of 
Baptist principles. It is not unimportant 
that a'sentinel be at his post, though imme- 
diate danger may not threaten the fortress. 

‘Lhe proposal, as we understand it, is not 
entirely a novel one. Many# of our most 
g.calous and steadfast ministers have thought 
it neither useless, nor inconsistent with Bap- 
tist principles, to employ the solemnity ‘of 
devout prayer, to impress the minds of chil- 
dren with sentiments of reverence for their 
Creator, and to invigorate in parental 
hosoms earnest desires and corresponding 
resolutions, in regard to the religious edu- 
cation of their ofispring. These ministers 
have thought, also, that it was not unim- 
portant ¢o strengthen in their own minds 
the sense of pastoral obligation towards chil- 
dren. No one will question, that should 
Parents and ministers habitually regard the 
religious instruction of children as a sacred 
duty, it would not be so frequently neglected. 

Jt is important, then, to inquire, whether 
or not any means can be employed to 
strengthen this sentiment of obligation. If 
it be conceded, that solemn prayer, by a 
minister, with special reference *o himsclf, 
the parents and the children, would have this 
effect, the whole argument is yielded ; for 
this is all that we consider as being intend- 
ed by the Charleston Association, Wheth- 
er this be done privately, or in public, is not 
essential. If it is right in itsclf, it may.be 
done any where ; and if itis useful, the only 
question. is, what manner of perforining it is 
fitted fo give it the most impressiveness, 
and attach to it the most solemnity. 

If this is a correct view of the subject— 
and it'is the only one which we approve— 
all that has been said concerning the intro- 
duction of a new erdivance into the church 
is inapplicable to the question under dis- 
cussion. Nothing of the kind is proposed. 
“A New-York Bafitist” inyuircs for the 
scriptural warrant for the measure. Where 
does he find this warrant for Bible, Mis- 
siunary and Tract Societies; for Sunday 
Schools, for the Monthly Concert of Prayer, 
&e.? He will doubtless answer our ques- 
tion, and his own, by saying, that the Bible 
furnishes general directions to “ abound in 
every good word aid work,” leaving the 
details to be devised and arranged, as cir- 
cumstances may render expedicnt. 

“A New-York: Dapitist’’ says, that Pedo- 
baptists’ consider the measure as a conces- 
sion on our part, and a sanction to the prin- 
ciple of infant sprinkling. Are we to adopt 
no plans, because others may misunderstand 
and draw unauthorized inferences from 
thein? So far from giving any sanction to 
infant sprinkling, no measure which we 
could udopt would tend more to accelerate 
the fall of the crumbling edifice. ‘The only 
plausible argament for infant sprinkling is, 
that it may have a favourable effect on the 
religious education of children, Multitudes 
practise it, far no other reson ; and should 
Baptists place the subject on its truc basis, 
and secure the bencfit, without the perver- 
sion of a Christian ordinance, we should, 
sooner than will otherwise be the case, hear 
sega of infunt sprinkling as the Apostles 

‘We may here remark, that it seems tobe 
taken for granted, that infunts only are to be 

the subjects of prayer. ‘I'hisis not propos- 
ed. It would, in our opinion, be preferalife 
to perform it, when the mind had become 


_| will diminish the “salutary horror” with 


THE COLUMBIAN STAR. 
Ce ee ese 


27 








sufficiently expanded to reccive a propcr | likely to reach the heart and the conscicnce. 


impression ; and it should be done, not once 
only, but aa often as might be necessary to 
effect the object. It is also taken for grant- 
ed, that the minister's blessing is the object 
in view. What has been Said is sufficient 
to correct this supposition. 

“ Scrutator,” in the Star of January 31, 
proposed three objections, to which we will 
briefly advert. 

1. The practice is an “ innovation.” The 
Gospel was an innovation, and all the be- 
nevolent schemes of the present age are of 
the same character. ‘he q:estion is not, 
whether a thing is new, but whether it is 
right. 

2. It is “unnecesary.” To ascertain 
whether or not any measure is necessary, 
we must inquire whether the object in view 
is, or can be, accomplished without it. 
“ Scrutator” acknowledges, that the “re- 
ligious education of children is too much 
neglected.” He concedes, therefore, that 
the existing motives have not had sufficient 
force. Something else seems to be necessa- 
ry. Can “Scrutator” suggest a better ine- 
thod, than the one proposed? If he can, 
he is bound to do so, If not, why object to 
this? 

S. It is “dangerous.” He thinks that it 


which Baptists are accustomed to regard 
infant sprinkling. The logic of this argu- 
ment is, that we ought to cherish the gob- 
lin terrors of the nursery, lest we should be 
frightened by apparitions in our riper years. 
He says, further, that we are commanded 
to abstain from all afipearunce of evil. “If 
then,” he says, “we grant that what our 
brethren recommend is not evil in itself; yet 
if it have the afi/earance of evil, it is for- 
bidden by this divine precept.” We beg 
leave to examine this doctrine. No one 
Knows better than “Scrutator,” that the 
plirase “appearance of evil’? does not now 
convey the precise meaning of the original 
expressions. The injunction is, to abstain 
from every eides, sfecics, form, shape, of 
evil—that is, from evil, in whatever shape 
it may present itself—frum evil of every 
kind. It is, therefore, taken for granted in 
this text, that what is forbidden is “evil in 
itself?’ There are cases, indeed, in which 
a thing innocent in itself, ought to be avoid- 
ed, if it give offence. The Apostle did and 
enjoined this, in regard to ‘cating meat,” 
&c. But these are cases, in which individual 
interest or comfort only is concerned. On 
points of general duty, however, this prin- 
ciple cannot be acted on; and no man pur- 
sued the path of duty, with a more inde- 
pendent disregard of the opinions of friends 
or foes, than the Apostle Paul. Are we to 
do nothing, which appears to be wrong to 
any of our brethren? ‘his is to make our 
duty depend on the ignorance and prejudices, 
whether innocent or otherwise, of those 
around us. We should, in this case, do no- 
thing. Many sincere Chris*ians oppose 
missions, education, &c. Shall we abandon 
these important measures? But it is unne- 
cessary to argue a point so sclf evident as 
this. = 

In fine, “ Scrutator” finds in this practice 
a dangerous tendency, inasmuch as it may 
lead toinfant sprinkling. We would inquire, 
ence for all, if we have no relianee on the 
strength of our principles? Have we no 
confidence in the conservative influence of 
our institutions? There is danger in every 
thing with which we are connected. ‘The 
sacrameht of the Lord’s Supper has a very 
natural tendency to introduce, among beings 
so much governed by the senses as we are, 
the doctrine of transubstantiation. Are we 
inthe slightest danger of falling into this 
errour? We consider it as equally idle, to 
fear a Japse into infant sprinkling. The 
spirit of the age forbids it. ‘The darkness 
is past, and the true light now shines. ‘The 
Copernican system of astronomy is opposed 
by the evidence of the senses; yet it is mo- 
rally impossible, that mankind should re- 
turn to the theories of Ptolemy and Tycho 
Brahe. Itis, we conceive, equally impossi- 
ble, that Baptists should adopt the ex- 
ploded doctrines of those ages of darkness, 
when the Bible was not gencrally perused, 
and men were not accustomcd to think for 
themselves. 

BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY. 

It has been suggested to us, that it is de- 
sirable, that a Bafitist General Tract Society 
be established in this city. A friend, whose 
delight it is, to devise and exccute plans for 
the advancement of religion, writes to us 
thus: “I have been thinking for some time 
how a Tract Society can be got up in Wash- 
ington, which shall hold the same place 
aineng Baptists, that the American ‘lract 
Socicty does umong Congregationalists. I 
now feel very much the necessity of having 
Tracts to scatter in the waste places. It is 
a plan of doing goot, which is scarcely 
known among Baptists. No place is more 
suitable for such a Society than Washing- 
ton. Resources would be principally ob- 
tained through auxiliaries, and the exertions 
of Agents. Many of our ministers might 
become life-members,” 

We leave this hint with our readcrs for 
the present, with the remark, that in our 
Opinion, the distribution of Tracts is an ob- 
ject of sufficient importance to solicit the 
attention of every denomination of Christians. 
They are unobtrusive but most efficient 
freachers of righteousness, winning their 
way where a minister could not penetrate ; 
telling and repeating their simple message, 
at thosc hours, tuo, when it may be most 












































It is therefore worth while to take heed 
What doctrines they teach. Tracts are 
either essays on moral virtues, or statements 
of religious truth, or more frequently, nar- 
ratives of individuals who have remarkably 
exemplified the effects of Christian princi- 
ples. No objectionable sentimenss may be 
advanced, out the tendency may neverthe- 
less be, to sanction opinions and practices 
which we do not approve. Much may be 
implied, much be taken for granted, and 
certain processes be pointed out, and the 
whole assume a complexion very different 
from that which we should ourselves give 
it. We are not sufficiently familiar with 
Tracts to know how far these remarks 
are applicable to those now in circulation~- 
but we think it can dono harm to form a 
Society. Among other advantages, we can 
supervise the character of these messen- 
gers of religious truth, before we commis- 
sion them to go forth, to enter into contro- 
versy with the consciences of men, and to 
beseech them, in Clirist’s stead, to be re- 
conciled to God. 


DINNER AT GLASGOW, 


We have appropriated a considerable 
space to extracts from an account of a din- 
ner given at Glasgow, in honour of Dr. Chal- 
mers, ‘he portions which we republish 
possess a value, distinct from the interest 
which they derive from the occasion. The 
speech of the Rev. Professor Chase, of the 
Columbian College, in this District, is wor- 
thy of note. It is strikingly pertinent, and 
is expressed in a style of peculiar beauty. 
Most of the speeches on the occasion were 
full of excessive culogiums on Dr. Chalmers ; 
and: we happen to know, that he was affect- 
ed as well as gratified by the delicacy of the 
compliments in the Professor’s address. 

A dinner was not, perhaps, the most con- 
gruous farewell token of rcgard for a dis- 
tinguished clergyman. It is believed, that 
he would have refused it, if he could have 
done so, without giving offence to men, to 
whom he felt himself under great obliga- 
tions ; and from whom he was about to tear 
himself away, under circumstances, which 
did not permit him to take leave of them 
individually. 


GEOGRAPHICAL GARDEN. 


Mr-Ira Hill has petitioned Congress to 
aid him in forming near the Capitol, a geo- 
graphical garden, in which “all the known 
parts of the world shall be accurately deli- 
neated. The beds of Oceans, Seus, Gulfs, 
Bays, and Lakes shall be depressed, and 
the Continents, Peninsulas, and Isthmuses, 
Mountains, Istands, &c. shall be raised in 
proportion to their respective elevations on 
this terraqueous sphere, ? 

The beds of the Oceans, &c. shall be 
covered with gravel, and the lands shall be 
adorned with verdure; and the mountains 
may rest on the same king of stone as com- 
pose them in their natural states. 

The channels of rivers shall be ccscribed 
as in their natural courses, and lowered in 
proportion to the height of their respective 
banks.” 


AGE OF LIBERAL FEELINGS. 


The Legislature of Massachusetts have 
refused to grant a Charter to Amherst In- 
stitution. The Legislature of Maryland 
have refused to repeal the test laws of that 
state, by which a portion of its citizens are 
disfranchised. What pure zeal for the 
promotion of science and religion !—\What 
a tolerant spirit, and how worthy of “the 
home of freedom, the asylum of the op- 
pressed !"—"* Hail, Columbia, happy land.” 


VARIOLOID, OR SMALL POX, - 


Some alarm has been occasioned by the 
prevalence, in several places, of a species 
of the small pox. Persons who have been 
vaccinated, have taken the discase ; and an 
opinion has been formed unfavourable to the 
utility of vaccination. But the following 
statement of facts tends to show, that it 
ought to be more highly prized than eer: 


“Dr, Mitchell, physician of Philadelphia, 
who has had the care of a small pox hospi- 
tal, has published a statement, which estab- 
lishes an important fact, in corroboration of 
the opinion of Dr. Bell, of England, on the 
subject, that vaccination is the best fireven- 
tive againat thia epidemic, the fatal etfeots of 
which have been experienced at Philadel- 
phia. It appears, that of 149 cases in that 
city of varioloid, or small fox, 48 occurred 
in persons who had previously had the vac- 
cine disease, and mot one of them dicd— 
Wight cases occurred in persons who had 
previously had the small pox, of which four 
died.— The other 93 cases occurred in per- 
sons who had previously had neither dis- 
ease, and of these 32 dicd, and 61 recovered. 
‘Lwo of the persons who had the small pox 
a second lime, took it naturally the first time. 
Light of those who took the disease after 
the vaccine, had been vaccinated recently. 
Some of the mildest cases were in persons 
who were vaccinated more than twenty years 
ago. 








GBighteenth Congress, 


’ FIRST SESSION, 


SENATE. 
Monpar, February 9. 


The Senate resumed the unfinished busi- 
ness of Friday last, being the bill reported 
by the Committee on Naval Affairs, “ au- 
thorizing the building of an additional num- 
ber of sloops of war, for the naval service 
of the United States; Mr. Barbour moved 
to fill the blank for the appropriation, with 
** 250,000 doltars for ‘the present year, and 
200,000 dollars annually, for three sueceed- 


























Tvespar, February 10. 
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. 


The House then resumed the consideta- 
tion of the report of the Committce of the 
Whole, on the bill to obtain the necessary 
plans, estimates, &c. in relation to Roads 
and Canals. 

Several ineffectual attempts were made 
to destroy the bill ; it was finally ordered to 
a third reading, ayes 115, nocs 86. 

The House then took up, in Committee 6f 
the Whole, the bill fora revision of the ta- 
riff. Soon after, the Committe¢ rose, and 
the House 

Adjourned. 

MWeonespar, February 1. 


The engrossed bill to procure the neces- 

sary plans, surveys, and estimates, in rela- 
tion to roads and canals, was read a this 
time, PASSED, and sent to the Senate for 
concurrence. 
_ On motion af Mr. Zod, the House went 
into Committee of the Whole, on the bill to 
amend the several acts for imposing duties 
on imports. 

Several gentlemen expressed their senti- 
ments on the merits of the bill. ‘he Com- 
mittee rose, and had leave to sit again. 

‘Lhe bill from the Senate “to secure the 
accountability of pyblic officers end others,” 
was twice read and referred to the Com- 
mittee of Ways and Means. 

A bill from the Senate “authorizing the 
building of an additional number of sloops 
of war for the naval service of the United 
States,” was twice read, and committed to 
the Committee on Naval Affairs. 

Adjourned. . 


Taurspar, February 12. 


Mr. Cushman, from the Committce on 
the Public Buildings, reported a bill ** mak- 
ing appropriations for the Public Build- 
ings ;” which was twice read and commit- 
ted. 

Mr. Cook, frora the Committee aa Public 
Lands, to whom the subject was referred, 
reported a bill ‘“‘to authorize the opening 
and laying out a road from Wheeling, in the 
State of Virginia, to the Seat of Government 
in Missouri ;” which was twice read, and 
committed to the Committee of the Whole 
to whom was referred the bill for the con- 
tinuation of the Cumberland Road. 

‘The House then again resolved itself in- 
toa Committee of the Whole, on the bill 
“*toamend the several acts for imposing du- 
ties on imports.’’ 

A long and desultory debate arose, till the 
House 

Adjourned. 

Fripvar, February 13. 

A number of relief bills were reported 
and committed. ; 

Mr. Crowninshield, from the Committee 
on Naval Affairs, reported the bill from the 
Senate, authorizing the building of addition- 
al sloops.of war, without amendment, and 
it was ordered to be committed to a Com- 
mittee of the Whole on the Union. 


DELAWARE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL, 


_ Mr. Hemphill, from the Committee on 
Roads and Canals, reported a bill to author- 
ize a subscription for stock in the Deiaware 
and Chesapeake Canal Company, which 
was read a first and second time and com- 
mitted. 

The following resolution, offered by Mr. 
ios was read, and ordered to lie on the 

adic: 

Resolved, That the Committee on the 
District of Columbia, be instructed to in- 
quire into the expediency of providing, by 
law, for the election of a delegate, from said 
District, to represent the same in the Con- 
gress of the United States, 

The House then cook up, in Committee of 


ing years.” his was agreed to, and the 
bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a 
third time. 

Adjourned. 

Zuespar, February 10, 

Mr. Lloyd, of Maryland, presented the 
memorial of the Board of Trustces af the 
Columbian College, in the District of Co- 
jumbia, praying a loan from the Govern- 
ment, for certain purposes. Referred to 
the Committce on the District of Colum- 
bia. 

The bill “authorizing the building of an 
adstitiunal number of sloops of war, for the 
naval service of the United States, was read 
the third time, and PASSED. 

The Senate, as ia Committee of the 
Whole, proceeded to. consider the bill 
“betcer to secure the accountability of pub- 
lic officers and others.” 

‘fhe first section of the bill provides, 
that no salary, compensation, or emolument, 
shall be paid to any person who is, or shall 
be, indebted to the United States, until such 
person has accounted for, and paid into the 
‘Treasury, all sums for which he may be so 
indebted. 

The sccond section makes it the duty of 
every accountable officer who, in making 
payment tothe United States, is, by law, 
authorized to retain his fecs, or salary, ont 
of the money for which he is accountable, 
and who is indebted to the United States 
to pay over, at the time required by Jaw for 
his payments and accountability, all his fees 
and emoluments, until he shall have dis- 
charged the sums for which he is indebted ; 
and makes it the duty of the Treasury De- 
partment, at a certain time in cach year, to 
‘give notice tosuch officers, of the sum duc 
from them ; and makes it the duty of Col- 
lectors, and other officers, to withhold the 
pay of the persons employed by them, until 
their debts to the Government are dis- 
charged. 

‘Lhe third section provides, that no per- 
son shall be appointed to any office, which 
entitles him, in any way, to receive, and 
makes it his duty to account for, public 
monies, who shall, at the time of such ap- 
pointment, be indebted to the United States. 

The fourth section makes it the duty of 
the President of the United States to com- 
municate to Congress, in the first weck of 
each session, the names of persons, whose 
pay is withheld under the provisions of this 
act, with the amount due, &c. with a pro- 
viso, that in all cases where the pay of any 
person is withheld, it shall be the duty of 
the Accounting Officers of the ‘Treasury, if 
demanded by the person, to report, forth- 
with, to the Agent of the Treasury Depuart- 
ment, the balance ; and it shall be the duty 
of such agent, within sixty days thereafter, 
to order suit to be commenced against such 
delinquent and his sureties, 

The bill passed to be engrossed, for a 
third reading. 

Adjourned. 

Weonespar, February 11. 

The bill ‘better to secure the accounta- 
bility of public officers and others,” was read 
the third time, PASSED, and sent to the other 
House. k 

The Senate then proceeded to the order 
of the cay. ‘The bill ‘allowing a draw- 
back on the exportation of cordage manu- 
factured in the United States from foreign 
hemp,” was taken up for consideration, in 
Committee of the Whole. 

The bill from 'the other House, authoriz- 
ing surveys for roads and canals, was read 
und passed toa second reading. 

Adjourned. 

Tuurspar, February 12. 


Tne bill from the other House, “ author- 
izing. surveys for roads and canals,” was 
read the second time, and referred to the 
Select Committee on Roads and Canals. 

Qn motion of Mr. JoAnaon, of Kentucky, 
the bill **to abolish imprisonment for debt” 
was taken up in Committee of the Whole, 
Mr. Ruggles in the chair, Mr. Mills sub- 



































































bill for increasing the ‘Tariff on certain ar- 
ticles. After a protracted debate, in whicla 
a number of members engaged, the Com- 
mittee rose, reported progress, and had 


mitted his views upon the subject, at length ; | leave to sit again; and the House 
and some remarks were made by Messrs.| Adjourned to Monday. 
Johnson, of Kentucky, and 7/olmes, of Maine. 

The* further consideration of the subject me 

was, on motion of M.*. Johnson, of Kentucky, MARRIED, 


postponed till Monday next, and the bill 
was made the order of that day. 

The bill “ extending the tern of pensions, 
granted to persons disabled, and to the wi- 
dows and orphans of those who have been 
slain, or who have died in consequence of 
wounds, or casualties, reccived while in the 
line of their duty, on board the private arm- 
ed ships of the United States, during the 
late war,”’on motion of Mr. Lioyd, of Mass. 
was taken up, in Commitcee of the Whole. 
The bill was reported to the Senate, with- 
out amendment, and passcu to be engrossed 
and read the third time. 

Adjourned. 

Fripar, February 13, ° 

Mr. Nodle presented a resolution of the 
Gencral paris of the state of Indiana, 
requesting her Representatives, and in- 
structing her Senators in Congress, to take 
all necessary measures to procure the ex- 
tinguishment of the Indian title to land 
w ithin that state, 

The bill * extending the term of pensions 


In this city, on the 11th instant, by the Rev. 
O. B. Brown, Mr. Ricaaap A. Hiaarsotox, of 
St. Mary’s county, Maryland, to Miss Maay Ayw 
W. Hitrox, only daughter of Samuel Hilton, 
Esq. near the Navy Yard. 

On the 10th instant, by the Rev. Mr, Hoskin, 
Mr. Lsvr Pumpuney, to Miss Saziy MILLBR, 
both of Prince George’s county. 

At Philadelphia, on Thursday evening, the 
Sth instant, by the Rev. Mr. J. J. Janewxy, Mr. 
Jounx B. Etxisox, to Miss Mangas, second 
daughter of John Moore, Esq. 


DIED, 
At Birmingham, England, on the 11th of De- 
cember last, Mr. Haxary Foxatt, of Georgetown, 
who was a pious Christian, and well known as 
the proprietor of the Georgetown Foundery, in 
this District. 


REPORT OF DEATHS, 


In the City of Washington, during the month of 
January, 1824, 


granted to persons disabled, und to the wi-] Measles + + = = 2 2 2 2 + = -10 
dows and orphans of those who hare bee So (coloured) se" <i ea 
slain, or who have died in consequence of Forte oe Mineiro 
wounds or casualties received while in the Do. Puérperd, ke? seh aves = 
line of theit duty, on board the private arm- Chnvabieac, Sia eae eS : 
ed vessels of the United States, during the Do. (coloured) - + - - cent its 
late war,” was read. the sthird flme and Pleuriay, |< <2 Jace a Speen 
PASSED, : i coloured) i= 4a>/e Sue ee 
Several bills of private interest, were Won S - z ee ee eee : 
read the third time and passxD., Colic, ss es 0 8 we oe ep 
Adjourned to Monday, Consumption - - + = 2... 6 y 
ee le. Yo D4 9 8 BAe) Sao a aad 
Old SO LSS SS [ee ne Dees 
HOUSE. Gone oe nie eh eee 
Monnar, February 9. Obstruction of the wind Dips. isa aeae 
A memorial was presented from Dr. Totals eases, lore ee 
Smith, of Baltimore, on the prevention of Adult, Pasa ences ate 
the small pox; the memorial’goes at length Children, - - - - 2. 2. 2 39 
into the subject, and, atter mentioning the By order of the Board of Health 


present alarming prevalence of the disease, 
and discusssing the validity of kine pock, 
as its preventive, proposes a plan for the 
dissemination of genuine vaccine matter, by 
a Central Agent, at Washingtoa, and local 
Agents in cachCongressional District. ‘The 
memorial was referred toa Select Commit- 
tee. 

‘The House went into Committee of the 
Whole, on the bill for obtaining the requi- 
site surveys and estimates on Roads and Ca- 
nals. 

Mr. Zarbour’s motion to strike out the 
enacting clause, was decided in the negu- 
tive—ayes 84, noes 108. 

Adjourned. 








Mr. Webster's Speech. 


de JOHN &. MEEHAN, and 
for at the Columbian Star Office, north 
E street, near the General Post Office, and by 
the principal Booksellers in this City gnd 
Georgetown, 
MR. WEBSTER’S SPRECH 

ON THE 


Greek Revolution. 


OP Price 123 cents a co b 
t the rate of $8 pet hindrek y the quantity 





EDITORIAL ON “BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY ” 
In “The Columbian Star,” February 14, 1824 


the Whole, Mr Condict in the chair, the 





ee Set 


rie 
eee Dt) Ag 


43" 


eghewy 


am | Ama | at ees asc 
Fane 


a CR Biers % : 
= ~ . 
meres ns : a» 
oe eet mele ep ce aneeina + yaa te nfo , 
Maer ‘ A 4 | Pipa —Agegeae: grease sane os ms 5 





wenshib yas" 
yp) veig eovisrtbo' 
nd a cance Sains saps ail 











frehlt 6 boom eae prot 


BA saKNSE od) OF care anaes smd |. 
* SSPE pb ec Ha Rape OD ceiiee on baa 


tosw mucll oa) GON Abt Wann 4 News ot vel OTiW on yith oF. py : eh age: a ag ENE TTS as PML Gree. eS. Sas Sar ree 

@ td ody a shor! HW sili to setlisto0> pnt} dona Winn eH baitiD stead fontoboi “7 ; i ‘Sofligmonss ot ms § See meena 

eathuly pao WA aia Uniivse oil! banme pede om hiey bua A0t Dotnyoor. euil pews pes Se TT Wao 
Mion erage ox od gem of Noble Wh bis hig — sehamno2 2” nok -ofEinay3 ‘yeni i. ae 5 pvATeAtT aa: 

sesersinarg Lords: 3 Lottabid o : c 

srasts J VAG id astein cogs! ee “GtInOs oF 1302" estan er 


207% Dy} Sai Th waw! 

Lis ost | teh ya el pom! be | 

ilidastiAccie or yh Ne ~pobdar holisnd>  Rencteyiecapestrs ; D iy 
ay ? Hag gh Itt boengeng 960 old Bs 2 

































wie) deuussos et - seas so ws) Se 
eee Fe ark inaout acai ote AFAIK OF : apteed Sh. bpheota ab PBS ise sseietd yaw on YW oe ol 9) brewed it” 6 iar re nF . 
se 2 guiblind | r3: gta ete sdershienos 4 Srisitquagqe ovat ov ~ ‘seid| reac... 5 een, a Oe ee 
L silt 201 238 we “eid Svat Juathe Haske vt fixer “wrarseotileaes: bern fb K 30 $xno398, 26 mo e1surs ot sonqe ti todd adobe? H “eaorsgnole” ati ee * eS Pine i> ed S 





b het 203i Tete aenals att borer Wad Ath Io model Mm woe T ise eda Baar iitiw Spree aowive™ ot dzigimib Miw) 
a SAL elugeonD nit Jo yteh sat ti soadeas One| Zildoge aw. doite emirey oft “em pega 03 Bowman ot ese depnth” ‘Aoiiiw |. 
POE EPC AIRS Ni SIT Biss K Is AMATI | yesh ads port Joule sulev. A we : hit Wo sigol oft. .gaibtatiga Srenctod } 
; ) 5 Pb re sah Io verpdillo duib o2 5 >it0n ovis : : ang jira wid? Ye oigol oft. .ga nil 
We MtteD screw: awd) SIL Sige toe Pome ae one as sk miter + nas Sy acmiice cA ‘ica Sisake eisihne Rlre e » stil = aban 
4 Sas TET ee ~% le trey 09 oe yt 1527 ‘s 1 3 >>" sd m 4 Tilt Sh “5 
3 2g eae sper igetl ace just, pee ai F dios wernt fe LN EROWIsG 2 aiff ¥0 a powell saradd vite nm goto" anidmul ; x2] a peak asa Sata ea’ wd Honsidye 
Bint - sida sah sanlterr oud tab Sie -Snenurs ve) sities eidete Tart fuys sa SOHEPIOG, «fui $tiig eh st ocean 1 ys eid J ty eitaratets ais be 2662, poe eRe ah 












—— en st ~~ 


cf % ata! a peas i 

















-Hinate bie Bust sowi-ase toule * sey Sin bergrst3 es ey ‘ 
. | DSP Nsg Of tafe sbavetg subsea fonts wr bad glide Yo Shy at bites ke wefay” ery hs Saeco ee TN xrviste off -esini-cs hosel on A 
“409 ie Sabliaiaah) SAP oval does Al¥ O ipahw esa neat tuacittin ad Tey re PS ‘AO RIS 2 tee eis Aal yin 5 CONE aK fade cd Kary ow ae sit Maa F attl patrrssees Bagi Fqo-too pe 
; : ey ; f 3% + hist AG ro sas y 5 pried x | 15 Siete he Lies duct et Lina O94 RYUITS ¢} aod: ¥ a@t yl lerenqotg iawn weet ; 
at troqail of beret 4otel ia he Sete aw Sri 59 Get ty ai Sak To po LORD AES st setntneed ws 


: iz sche euetet or 08 Shen 1 wuz 

ei Sv. sherk daveb; 

J eas a bers 

i oO!) WORM one 
; i 


Lie 


INTRODUCTION 





i5th of December, 1824, the President of the United States, the Secre- 
taries of State, of War, and of the Navy, and leading members of 
both houses of Congress being present. General Lafayette of Revo- 
lutionary fame, then on his visit to the United States, was present at 
these exercises. At a later hour a formal address of welcome was 
made to General Lafayette by the President of the College, after 
which the General and his suite, with the Secretary of State, the Hon. 
John Quincy Adams, the Secretary for War, the Hon. John C. Cal- 
houn, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. 
Henry Clay, together with other distinguished citizens, dined with the 
Board of Trustees, among whom was Postmaster General Meigs, and 
the members of the faculty of the College at the house of President 
Staughton. 


4. Philanthropy at a High Tide 


In the realm of philanthropy it was a time of high tide. 
Previous generations of Christians in America, with a few 
brilliant exceptions like Roger Williams, had concentrated 
their energies on the way of salvation for themselves and their 
own immediate circles. But the “ haystack band” at the new 
college in the Berkshire Hills had now started a movement 
which expanded into effort for all the world. In the home- 
land the first quarter of the nineteenth century was a time of 
wide expansion of population. In 1800 more than two-thirds 
of all the people in the United States lived within fifty miles 
of tide-water. By 1825 Ohio had become the fifth State in the 
Union in population. By 1830 the new States west of the 
Alleghenies were giving a new character to the life of the 
nation. The frontiers were rapidly advancing. The Congre- 
gationalists sent Adoniram Judson, Sr., into the wilderness of 
Vermont at an earlier day and his home-mission experiences 
fired the imagination of his son. The Triennial Convention 
of Baptists organized by Luther Rice to sustain the young 
Judson in Burma also sent in 1817 John Mason Peck into the 
Mississippi Valley to found churches, schools, and a college 
there. By the end of the first quarter of the nineteenth cen- 
tury nearly every State had organized a missionary society 
commonly called a State Convention. Inthe realm of purpose 


[9 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


ae 





to reach with the gospel every man, both at home and abroad, 
the atmosphere was electric as never before. 

To get a vivid conception of this, one needs only to read . 
“The American Baptist Magazine and Missionary Intelli- 
gencer ’’ for those days. Its title was accurately descriptive. 
The Publication Society was born at the beginning of 1824 in 
a highly enlightened circle of Baptists. We positively know — 
what they were thinking about, in fact we hear them thinking 
aloud, as we read the 232 pages of their Magazine for 1823. 
The impression is redoubled if we read the volumes of other 
years about that time and of other Baptist periodicals, the 
“Columbian Star,” the “Latter Day Luminary,” and the 
“Watchman.” The table of contents of the Magazine for 
1823 would serve well as an index of the denominational mind. 
Take time for a few items. 


5. Organization in the Air 


Organization was in the air. The principle having been 
adopted in forming the Philadelphia Association in 1707 and 
slowly propagated by forming the Warren Association in 1767 
and others later, and then the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary 
Society in 1802, had been nationalized by creating in 1814 the 
General Convention of Baptists in the United States. It is 
almost amusing to us that the trustees of Columbian College 
in their annual report (1833) to the Convention refer to the 
latter (nine years old) as “that venerable body.” 


On the return of the triennial assembly of that venerable body, 
under whose auspices this institution has received existence, and to 
whose fostering hand it looks with filial confidence for future counte- 
nance and enlargement, it is no less grateful to our feelings than con- 
sonant with a sense of duty, to present a report of its present state. 


It was indeed “venerable”’ in significance if not in years. 
This very year a committee of the venerable body is appointed 
relative to State Conventions and reports that they 


[10] 


INTRODUCTION 








entertain a high sense of the important tendencies of State Conven- 
tions. Difficulties have existed, which are now passing away. Breth- 
ren, in various parts of the country, are convinced of the value of the 
measure, and in several States, Conventions of this character have 
been formed. The apprehensions which have been felt, are found to 
have been ill-founded. Being entirely voluntary, the formation of 
State Conventions cannot interfere with the rights of the churches; 
while it will bring together the wisdom, piety, and talent of the 
denomination, and give a highly desirable concert and energy to their 
proceedings. 


Three months after the organization of the Publication 
Society in Washington the Baptist Missionary Society of 
Massachusetts in the course of its annual report praises the 
spirit of combined effort that was prevailing: 


That which distinguishes the present from past ages, is not the 
existence of a spirit of benevolence, but the form in which that benevo- 
lence is brought to operate on a world lying in wickedness. In other 
times, what was done was chiefly the result of individual exertion... 
But it is our happiness to live at a period when Christians combine 
their efforts for the attainment of pious and benevolent objects. They 
now are convinced that union is strength; and the fear that some 
possible evil may hereafter arise from associations of the wise and 
good, is not allowed to paralyze their exertions, and thus render them 
comparatively useless. Conscious of the integrity of their own mo- 
tives, they are willing to believe that others are upright; and therefore 
go forward, confiding in each other, and in God... We rejoice in the 
multiplication and prosperity of Societies, which are intended to pro- 
mote the present and eternal welfare of men. They are ominous of 
the rich and immense blessing which shall be enjoyed by future 
generations. 


There is a series of articles in that Baptist thesaurus, the 
Magazine (1823-24), on the problem of denominational or- 
ganization, by an anonymous writer who signs his “ letters ” 
on the subject “ Backus.” (A thousand years hence a student 
might be speculating about “the second Backus.” At the 
time no one could misunderstand. The distinguished Isaac 
Backus had been dead seventeen years and the to-be-distin- 
guished Jay S. Backus was only thirteen years old. ) 


[ 11 J 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


6. Sympathies Inclusive 


The Magazine in 1823 gives excellent reports of the work 
of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, the Baptist Edu- 
cation Society of New York, Baptist Missionary Convention 
of New York, The Massachusetts Baptist Education Society, 
The Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society (forerunner of 
the M. & M. B. B.), The Massachusetts Evangelical Tract 
Society, The English Baptist Missionary Society, and the 
Bengal Christian School Society. This Baptist Magazine of 
one hundred years ago gives sympathetic accounts of the work 
of the English Church Missionary Society and of the Ameri- 
can Board of Commissioners, beginning its account of the 
latter's annual report with these brotherly words: 


This document is one of the noblest testimonials to the Christian 
zeal of the American churches that has ever appeared. We have read 
it with unmingled satisfaction, and, we hope, with devout thankfulness 
for the success of our Congregational brethren. [The very brethren 
who but ten years before in sectarian haste had called Judson a liar. ] 


It also warmly reports and endorses interdenominational or- 
ganizations, [he United Foreign Mission Society of New 
York, The American Society for Ameliorating the Condition 
of the Jews, The New Orleans Bethel Union, the American 
Bible Society, and the British and Foreign Society. Their sons 
at the end of the first quarter of the twentieth century must 
stretch themselves mightily to maintain the breadth of view 
exhibited by the Baptist fathers at the end of the first quarter 
of the nineteenth century. 


7. Clarion Voices from India 


The most electrifying discharges in the luminous atmosphere 
of the Publication Society's birth-year, are disclosed in the 
many pages of the Magazine devoted to letters and journals 
of the pioneer kingdom-builders themselves. William Carey 
was still active, though reaching the end of his marvelous 


[ 12] 











WES SPAR 





WASHINGTON CITY, 
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1824. 


———— - 








For the Columbian Star. 
BAPTIST TRACT SOCIETY, 


Mr. Epiror, 

My attention was seriously arrested by 
your suggestions in the last number of the 
Star, relative to the formation of a Baptist 
‘Tract Society. The subject may be some- 
what novel to our denuniination, but cannot 
fat tomeet the decited approbation of all 
who wish well to the interests of Christi- 
anity. 

‘The American formerly the New-Eng- 
land, Tract Society, has been signally blest 
in its laudable efforts ; and its prospects of 
extended usefulness are highly encouraging. 

The pious and devoted agent of that val- 
uable Institution is unwearicd in his labours 
to increase its fuads, and to give an cxten- 
sive circulation to the million heralds of 
truth, which by these funds are furnished. 
This Society has, according to the last Re- 
port, 92 Dépositorics ; 67 of which are 
east and north of Pennsylvania. The large 
states, Virginia, Kentucky and South Caro- 
lina, in which the Baptists are exceedingly 
numerous, contain but six Depositories. 
‘The states, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, con- 
tain none. It may be truly Said, that nearly 
ajl the Baptist population south of the Po- 
tomac Mele west of New-York are wholly 
destitute of Evangelical Tracts. Many 
have not heard that there is such an associ- 
ation as a ‘lract Socicty—others are pre- 
vented frum purchasing and circulating 
‘Tracts, by their distance from the general 
or subordinate Depositories. 


ARTICLE IN “ THE 


It is unnecessary to use uny argument to 
prove the usefulness of Pract™ Containing 
nothing sectarian, they convey in a cheap 
form and in a plain style, the great truths 
which are revealed in that gospel, ** worthy 
of all acceptation.” In the accounts of re- 
Vivals, we sce numerous instances, where a 
tract of six or eight pases was made the 
happy instrument of introducing the solemn 
realities of religion to some poor sinner. 
The most vicious and abandoned outcasts of 
society have frequently been led, by read- 
ing 2 tract, to think on their ways, and re- 
turn to God. If the circulation of Tracts, 
then, bean efficient means of doing good, 
who would refuse to engage in the work ? 
The eastern states can be amply supplied 
by their numerous societies,—but how shall 
the wants of the southern and western states 
he gratified ? Where shall the work bepin ? 
Who will go forward ? Let a Society be soon 
formed in this city to make a commence- 
ment-—-Let a few numbers of evangelical 
tracts be immediately published—Let agents 
be appointed in different places in the neigh- 
bouring states, who shall form auxiliary So- 
cicties and collect funds for publishing more 
tracts. The expense will be trifling com- 
pared with the probable good which must be 
the unavoidable result, if the concerns of the 
society should be rightly conducted. | 

If it be suggested that the formation of a 
Socicty here will have a tendency to limit 
and injure the influence of the American So- 
ciety—We may answer that the contrary 
will be the probable effect. The liberal and 
enlightened men who compose that large 
Society, cannot look with a jealous ey'¢ on any 
effort to extend the knowledge of Christ 
among the destitute. If their fracts do not 
tind their way into cur denomination, itis time 
that we should do something to effect what 
they do not. It is time for the, Baptists to snow 
themselves equal to other denominations in 
evangelical effort. And, Sir, as numbers of 
respectavle gentlemen are ready to co-ope- 
rate in the good work, permit me to hope 
that a Tract Society will soon be sct in op- 
eration, under the direction of judicious 
men, and governed by such regulations as 
shall foretoken good to thousands. 


COLUMBIAN STAR” 


Showing the General Tract Society Was Advocated in View of Unmet Needs 





INTRODUCTION 





career, which paralleled that of Napoleon in time and con- 
trasted with it so completely in abiding constructive power. 
Ward, “the finished (missionary) printer,” passed on, and 
Marshman joined Carey in conducting the memorial service 
of their great third. Our own Colman and Hough were stir- 
ring American blood with letters from Burma. Ann Hassel- 
tine Judson was in this country. The Board of the Triennial 
Convention could report, “ The health of Mrs. Judson is im- 
proving,” and the Committee on the Burman Mission 


further state, that they had an interview with Mrs. Judson, and had 
requested her to communicate her views in writing. Mrs. Judson 
tenders the thanks of Mr. Judson and herself, for the kindness which 
they have ever experienced from the Convention; and advises prompt 
measures for the increase and support of the mission. The Committee 
state, that Mrs. Judson, in conjunction with Dr. Judson, offers the 
copyright of the History of the Burman Mission for the gratuitous 
acceptance of the Convention. (This offer was accepted, and thanks 
were voted.) They mention with approbation the formation of Jud- 
son Societies. 


Adoniram Judson in Rangoon was completing his translation 
of the New Testament into Burmese. The Committee recom- 
mended that he “ be instructed to have two thousand copies 
immediately printed; and that the aid of the American Bible 
Society of Massachusetts be solicited.” Did space permit, it 
would be pertinent concerning the Atmosphere Electric to 
quote every one of the continuous eleven pages giving Doctor 
Judson’s own account of his second visit to Ava and repeated 
interviews with the Emperor and his councilors. The visit 
was brought about by an imperial command that our medical 
missionary Doctor Price take up his abode at the capital. 
Doctor Price’s description of the curiosity of the Emperor and 
his attendants is fascinating. Doctor Judson as interpreter 
found opportunities of presenting Christ and securing tolera- 
tion. The outlook was inspiring to the last degree. But for 
war intervening and the tragic experiences of Adoniram and 
Ann at Ava the next year the stimulating hopes of this year 


[13 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








might have come to wonderful realization. The most heroic 
scenes in Christian history were pending. 


8. Strong Call of Western Indians 


The missionaries of the Triennial Convention in the home- 
land also were beginning to put into the pages of the Magazine 
their stories of adventure for Christ. Isaac McCoy became 
one of the greatest factors in work for American Indians that 
Protestantism has ever produced. In sixteen years he visited 
Washington thirteen times from Michigan and the Indian 
Territory, interviewed three Presidents of the United States, 
committees of the House and the Senate, and various cabinet 
officers. One result was the creation of the Indian Territory, 
officially ascribed to his efforts. His first visit to Washington 
was made at the very time the Columbian College group was 
forming. Doctor Staughton had not yet removed from his 
Philadelphian pastorate to the College presidency. But he 
was Corresponding Secretary of the Triennial Convention, 
and was visiting Washington for the opening of the Columbian 
College (previously described) and the holding of a Conven- 
tion Board meeting. McCoy was a missionary of the Con- 
vention on that illustrious occasion. 


The Board very cordially acquiesced in the missionary’s plans which 
contemplated three missionary stations—one each among the Putawa- 
tomies, the Ottawas, and the Miamis. It vested him with authority 
to select missionaries and assistants, to employ collecting agents, and 
to obtain aid from the public and the Government; also authorized 
him to leave Fort Wayne whenever he deemed it expedient to do so, 
and advised him to lay his plans before the Secretary of War, with 
a view to aid from Government; appointing some of its members to 
accompany him in so doing. A call was made upon the Secretary, 
John C. Calhoun, who received him kindly, and favorably responded 
to his requests, though careful to regard the treaty and the laws. 


This work for the heathen (heathmen) of America, therefore, 
came in the person of Isaac McCoy into the immediate circle 
in which the Publication Society was being gestated. When 


[ 14 ] 


INTRODUCTION 


therefore they read the following in the Magazine of July, 
1823, they knew what it meant: 


Our settlement is one hundred miles from a white family, and 
nearly two hundred from anything like a settled country, south of the 
river St. Joseph, twenty-five miles from its mouth, at Lake Michigan. 
Our school was opened on the twenty-sixth of January. We have 
thirty-six Indian scholars actually here; several are absent, whom we 
expect here shortly, and many more are expected, as soon as the 
season will admit of their traveling. 


They remembered his twenty-seven days on horseback through 
forests and swollen streams from Fort Wayne to Philadelphia. 
They knew how frail he was in health, and that it had taken 
another month of grueling travel from Washington back to 
Fort Wayne, where he had nearly died the year before, then 
on one hundred miles farther into the wilderness for Christ's 
sake! The Magazine for 1824 contained the story of the 
removal, the capsizing of log canoes containing necessary 
provisions, and the breaking down of the whole missionary 
family for want of suitable food. 


9. Mighty Appeal of Pioneers 


The pioneer missionary of the Triennial Convention to the 
scattered settlements of white people in the Mississippi Valley 
was enduring almost equal hardships. The soul of John M. 
Peck had been fired by Luther Rice, and he had studied with 
Doctor Staughton in Philadelphia, and trekked with his 
family in a one-horse wagon one hundred and twenty-five 
days from Litchfield, Connecticut, to St. Louis, Missouri. 
Twenty years later he was to become a general secretary of 
the Publication Society, after laying foundations of churches, 
Bible societies, associations, and Shurtleff College, and being a 
decisive factor in preventing Illinois from becoming a slave 
State. The founders of our Society had read his letter in the 
March number of the Magazine, 1823, in which he described 
the baptism of some Negro slaves whose Catholic mistress 


[ 15 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








had first to be persuaded that there would be no danger of 
losing her property by drowning in baptism. He also told of 
the deep ignorance of some white Baptists in the Illinois 
frontiers : 


In the interior of the State, about the headwaters of Muddy River, 
there is an interesting revival. A letter received a few days past, 
from a ministering brother, the Rev. Mr. Carpenter, states he had 
baptized thirty-four since my visit in that quarter, which was about 
the middle of June. Mr. C. is a worthy brother, whose labors appear 
to be blest. His opportunities of acquiring intelligence have been 
extremely limited, but upon receiving some reports of Bible societies, 
and Sabbath schools, with some copies of the Magazine and Luminary, 
he expressed a high degree of joy. The united efforts to Christianize 
the world, and the success that has attended, appeared to him vast, 
amazing! and he immediately declared himself a decided friend of 
such efforts. No doubt it would appear incredible to our New 
England brethren to hear there were Christians in America who knew 
little or nothing about the operations of the present day; but repeated 
instances have occurred when I have given the first intimation of 
such things. 


It was a vivid discovery of wide-spread ignorance like this 
which led the philanthropic group centering at Washington to 
see that the very existence of the church and of the nation 
required some method for the rapid, inexpensive diffusion of 
light among the people at large. 


10. Optimism Ascendant 


Then as now two views were taken as to the hopefulness of 
the religious condition of the country. An article in the 
September (1823) number of the Magazine (apparently edi- 
torial) had put the two in contrast, leaning strongly to the 
optimistic. It quoted recent writers, one of whom said, 
“ Five-eighths of the people are without any proper religious 


instruction’; another said, “‘ Such is the state of our nation, 
more deplorably destitute of religious instruction than any 


other Christian nation under heaven.” But it added with 
evident satisfaction: 


[ 16 ] 


THE COLUMBIAN STAR. 
Marcu 6, 1824. 


BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY, ' 

On Wednesday evening, Feb. 25, a mect- 
ing was held, pursuant to notice, for tlie 
purpose of forming a Baptist Tract Socicty. 
-\fter prayer, by the Rev. Luther Rive, the 
Rey. Dr, Staughton was appointed Chair- 
nian, and Mr, James D. Knowles, Secretary. 

It was thenresolved, Thata lract Society 
be formed. A Constitution was proposed, 
and after some amendments, was adopted, 
2s follows; 

CONSTITUTION. 

Art. 1. The name of this Society shall 
be, “* Zhe Baptist General Tract Society.” 
Its sole object shall be to disseminate ¢van- 
gelical truth, and to inculcate sound morals, 
by the distribution of tracts. 

Arr. 2. Any person may become amem- 
der of this Socicty, by paying the sum of 
one dollar annually. The payment of ten 
collars at one time, shall constitute a per- 
son a member for life. 

Axt. 3. There shall be an annual meet- 
jng of the Society, on the last Wednesday 
in February, Shea the fuilowing officers 
shall be chosen, by ballot, viz.: A Presi- 
dent, Vice-President, Agent, Recording Se- 
cretary, Treasurer, and a Board of Direc- 
tors, consisting of the President, Vice-Pre- 
sident, Agent, Recording Secretary, and 
Treasurer, who shall be Directors in conse- 
quence of their office, and seven members of 
the Society. Five Directors shalf constitute 
u quorum for business. The Board shall 
have power to supply any vacancy that may 
uccur in its own body. 

Art. 4. The Directors shall superintend 
the publication and distribution of such 
tracts, as they shall approve; the appoint- 
ment of subordinate agents; the establish- 
ment of depesitories, the formation of aux- 
iliary societies, &c. ‘They shall hold fre- 
quent meetings, under such regulations as 
they may adopt, in conformity with the ge- 
neral provisions of this Constitution. hey 
shall appoint the place and the hour, for the 
annual meeting of the Society ; aud may, 
if they think -proper, make arrangements 
for an annual sermon, or public addresses, 

_and a collection for the benefit of the So- 
ciety. The Directors and the Treasurer 
shall make an annual report of their pro- 
ceedings. 

Art. 5. The Agent shall. condact the 
correspondence of the Society, and shall 
carry into effect the measures adopted by 
the Board of Directors. 

ArT. 6. The Recording Secretary shall 
keep a record of the proccedings of the 
Board of Directors and of the Society. He 
shall receive all monies, keep a record of 








them, and pay them over to the Treasurer. 

Art. 7. Every member shall be enutled 
to receive three-fourths of the amount of his 
subscription in tracts at cost. Auxiliary 
Societies shall be entitled to the same privi- 
lege. 

Art. 8. Any person, by paying twenty- 
five dollars, at one time, shall be a Dircc- 
tor for life. ‘The Presidents of Auxiliary 
Societies shall be, ex officio, member's ot the 
Board of Directors. 

Art. 9. The President shall call a mee}- 
ing of the Society, at the request of a ma- 
jority of the Board of Directors. a 

Art. 10. Any altcrations of this Consti- 
tution may be made at an annual meeting, 
by the concurrence of two-thirds o« the 
members present. 


The following offcers were then chosen; 
Rev. O. B. Brown, President. 
Rev. John Bryce, Vice-President. 
Mr. George Wood, gent. 
Mr. Isaac.G. [futton, Aecording Sec’y. 
Rev. Luther Rice, Zreasurer. 
Rev. Dr. Staughton, 
Samuel W. Lynd, ] 
Messrs. Joseph Gibson, 
Joseph Thaw, Uiiptelore 
Enoch Reynolds, 
Reuben Johnson, | 
James D. Knowles, J 


Ordercd, That the proceedings of this 
mecting be published in the Srar. 
Adjourned. Prayer by Dr. Staughton. 


(erm 


BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY. 


A letter to the Editor of the Star, from 
a gentleman in Providence, Rhode-lsland, 
says? 

‘‘T have noticed, in the last Columbian 
Star, an article on the subject of a Baptist 
Tract Society. It occurred to me at once 
that such an association would prove im- 
portant to our denomination, and to the canse 
of religion in general ; for, however we may 
wish mento become Aufitists, we wish all 
to become evangelical Christians—The 
American Tract Society has been long in 
operation, and has done immense good to 
the cause. Another Society in Boston, more 
immediately under the control of our Bap- 
tist friends, has lately been chartered. But 
these should not prevent the establishment 
of the one proposed in your paper, to be 
more central, and to extend its operations 
more particularly tothe southern and west- 
ern parts of the Unicn. I think that some 
assistance may be expected from this quar- 
ter. 


ORIGINAL ACCOUNT OF THE ORGANIZATION 
Of the Baptist General Tract Society 


. 
a 
4 
g 
7 
"i 8 
ae 
- 
a4 
. 2 P, 
; i 
} 
‘. 
2 * 
Laks 
| q 
| | iy 
” . _ 
= -" 
- , . 
ay ed < be 
: 3: 
7 . Vow ts 
> ma. J r 2 
eu) wp oes 


pa ihe “a At 


me 


ait 


lie 
in) 
AY } 
Vid fs 
i} 


i 
7 
} 5 
= 
j 
oe ; 
< , 
j 
Pe 
a e 
« 
of . 
3 
* 
co é eee 
; _ 
tet 


ia : 
eae 


Rte 


vf 





INTRODUCTION 





Let us now attend to the remarks of an English writer: “ Mr. 
Bristed, who has resided long enough in this country to make a com- 
parative view, maintains, that throughout the United States, pure 
evangelical religion is much more generally diffused than within the 
pale of the church establishment in England; that the standard of 
morals is higher, that the number of religious institutions exceeds, if 
possible, those of England; and that the principal religious denomi- 
nations are making conjoined and vigorous efforts to increase the 
provision of ministers, by the formation of theological seminaries.” 
This same gentleman gives the following estimate of the number of 
ministers in America: 





MretGUISUr traveling? DIeaChers. nasties esta eo. eae 1,000 
DECC istalOCalapreaCherss aware ae eras tors cei eerretsnk ia 4,000 
ES ts PRI LGa CLIC TSMmreeree phd cers tre 0h. eiote aes eres tee Fda eh 3,000 
eonOne CAO AISDLCACII Ci smi tack sce att oro caee uns shore. 1,600 
VOTO TREN EGG? Tn ah SE Uh Ne ce esa Nc ae 1,300 
BPRS EW Ra, BIRO Ae aan one 1 i grate Das Ae Oe he a 300 
PVIPORI ELECTION IN A LION Sum ast oo arectoeie geet tare fee aches Ste ee 600 

Wea kin emis Otel Othe ek mgs Sree runt. wets. ey 11,800 


The foregoing are only a few of the live events before the 
minds of the fathers in 1824. They are enough to show that 
the spiritual atmosphere was highly charged with the kind of 
forces which came to focus in the institution of our Publica- 
tion Society. 


DIVISION ONE 


GROWING SUPPLIES OF LIGHT 


IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


The first name of The American Baptist Publication Society 
was the ‘‘ Baptist General Tract Society.” The original con- 
stitution said, 


Its sole object shall be to disseminate evangelical truth and to incul- 
cate sound morals by the distribution of tracts. 


It was ten years after organization before it proposed the pub- 
lication of a “ bound volume.” 


11. A Normal Beginning 


Such a beginning is normal in the history of literature. 
The first leaf issued by the Society called attention to the fact 
that sixty-six religious tracts of various kinds which had ap- 
peared during hundreds of years, were finally gathered to- 
gether to form the Bible. A tract is simply a brief treatise. 
Wyclif revolutionized the thinking of England with his brief 
discussions written out by hand and widely distributed. These 
leaves were for the healing of the nations. One of them came 
into the hands of John Hus in Bohemia, through his friend 
Jerome of Prague, a disciple of Wyclif. It brought longed- 
for light to his soul, thus enkindling another of the great “ Re- 
formers before the Reformation,” the national hero of Czecho- 
slovakia. 


[ 18 ] 


IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 





By the time of John Wesley printing made it possible to 
ereatly multiply the dissemination, which he did by his “ So- 
ciety for the Distribution of Tracts among the Poor.” In 
1799 the “ Religious Tract Society of London” began its 
career. In this country the first endeavor of the kind was the 
organization of the ‘“ Methodist Book Concern” in 1788. 
Local tract societies, denominational and interdenominational, 
were formed in many sections of the country. One instance 
was “ The Religious Tract Society of the City of Washing- 
ton’ formed in 1819. In fact tract societies became a favored 
form of the new philanthropy developing in the first quarter 
of the nineteenth century. The present “ American Tract 
Society’ was not organized until 1825, the year after ours. 
But various denominations had them earlier—Friends, Uni- 
tarians, and Episcopalians, as well as Methodists, Congrega- 
tionalists, and Baptists. 


12. Our Own Forerunner 


One of the regional organizations was “ The Evangelical 
Tract Society ’’ constituted in Boston in 1811. It was almost 
entirely in Baptist hands, the Congregationalists organizing 
one of their own three years later. ‘The Evangelical Tract 
Society had its headquarters in the famous book-store of the 
Baptist firm of Lincoln and Edmonds. Its officers were the 
best-known leaders of our denomination in New England, the 
trustees including Deacon Levi Farwell and the famous pas- 
tors, Joseph Grafton, Daniel Sharp, Lucius Bolles, and Francis 
Wayland. The officers were: President, Dr. Thomas Bald- 
win; Secretary, Ensign Lincoln; Treasurer, Heman Lincoln, 
Esq. - This local tract society being the forerunner and proto- 
type of our Baptist General Tract Society must be distinctly 
in our minds as it was before the minds of our founders on 
the pages of the Baptist Magazine of 1823. The following 
sentences are taken from the annual report of the Society in 
May: 


[19 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








From a conviction, that the religious tracts circulated by this and 
other Societies, for several years past, have exerted a powerful and 
beneficial influence on society, in checking error and vice, and in dif- 
fusing a knowledge of the great truths and duties of the Christian 
religion; the Committee have been desirous of exerting an increased 
activity in this good work. Efforts have been made during the past 
year, to obtain new and interesting tracts for publication, and a num- 
ber have been selected. Twenty-one numbers have been printed, six 
thousand copies of each, making in the whole, 126,000. .. It affords 
the Committee much pleasure to learn, that numerous Auxiliary So- 
cieties have been organized in our churches, and that others are con- 
stantly forming ... It is earnestly recommended to ministers and 
friends, to use their efforts in organizing new Auxiliary Societies, that 
each church may supply its own neighborhood with these vehicles of 
truth, and that Sabbath schools may be furnished with an ample supply. 


The following is from the account of the meeting of the Bos- 
ton Baptist Association in September : 


The Evangelical Tract Society was constituted in Boston, in 1811, 
and for several years published and gratuitously distributed many 
thousand tracts annually; but in 1822 its constitution was altered so 
as to become principally a publishing society. A new series of tracts 
has recently been commenced, and about thirty numbers published, 
which are sold at one mill a page, from which ten per cent. is deducted, 
to all Tract Societies and Life Members. One dollar a year consti- 
tutes a member of the Society, and ten dollars a life member; and 
each contributor is entitled to draw out half his contribution in Tracts. 
Voted, That the Association recommend the Evangelical Tract Society 
to the patronage of the Churches, by becoming members of the So- 
ciety, or by organizing Auxiliary Societies. In organizing Auxiliary 
Societies, it is recommended that an article be adopted, giving one- 
third of the subscriptions to the parent society, to aid in publishing a 
greater variety of tracts. 


The year after our General Tract Society was organized the 
report of the Boston Society said: 


Since the last annual meeting, our Baptist friends in the city of 
Washington have formed a Tract Society of a general character, com- 
menced active operations, and already issued many thousand tracts. 
Communications have been received from them, inviting some co- 
operation with this Society. A Religious Tract Society, designed for 
extensive operations, has also recently been organized, in the city of 


[ 20 | 


[IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


New York, in which the several religious denominations are invited 
to unite, and from whom communications have been made to your 
Committee, these subjects were referred to the present meeting of the 
Society, and the communications will be laid before you. . . On the 
communications from the Baptist General Tract Society at Washing- 
ton, it was resolved that the distant location of the two societies ren- 
dered any attempt at a particular cooperation in their efforts inex- 
pedient. The communications from the American Tract Society at 
New York were referred to a Committee, to report at a future meeting. 


Pista itutetmeetine. in 1626, the record is; 


The Evangelical Tract Society held its Annual Meeting in Boston, on 
the 30th of May last. Amongst the other business transacted, a vote 
was passed to become auxiliary to the American Tract Society at New 
York. 


Thus the strongly Baptist tract society of 1811, fifteen years 
later, cast in its lot with the new national interdenominational 
Tract Society. 

That did not mean, however, that the Boston Baptists failed 
to enter the ranks of the new national Baptist Tract Society. 
The Agent of the latter in his annual report (1828) was happy 
to say: 


In Boston I attended the anniversaries of the Evangelical Tract 
Society, and Massachusetts (Domestic) Missionary Society. An op- 
portunity was afforded to see and converse with many of our minis- 
tering brethren on these occasions. The interest manifested in and 
about Boston in the operations and success of our Society is highly 
gratifying. The Treasurer’s account for May contains evidence of 
this, There is a most unaffected good-will entertained toward the 
plan, and many: of our brethren have gone home, prepared to act in 
concert with us in our endeavors to advance the knowledge of Christ 
by this means. I had repeated opportunities given me both in Boston 
and Salem, to lay the claims of our Society before the public, and 
they were not used in vain. In Salem a Society was formed which 
will raise immediately $100, of which one-fourth is to be given to us 
and the remainder laid out in tracts to establish a Depository, from 
which the friends of Tracts may get supplies for distribution without 
delay. 


Those were great days in the initiation of the wide Baptist 
cooperation. The Southern States had come into the General 


| 21 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Tract Society from the very first. Boston now came in with 
the first large gift ever made to the Publication Society: 

I cannot close this report without announcing the very liberal offer 
of one of our friends in Boston. He is a business man and knows, as 
every one may, that this Society cannot operate extensively without 
capital, or the means to make large editions of our tracts without 
waiting on the tardy process of making it up by the collection of small 
donations. In view of the pressing demands made for our tracts, and 
our inability fully to meet them, he, with characteristic liberality, pro- 
poses to give us a donation of $500, provided the same sum shall be 
contributed by the friends of the cause in Philadelphia, previous to 
the first day of January, 1829. 


The treasurer's report showed many other New England items, 
including the following: “ Collection in 3rd Baptist M. H. 
Boston, after annual sermon of the Evangelical Tract So- 
ciety.’ That is a significant item, showing that our Society 
had become completely national, commanding the loyalty of 
all our forces. at 

Thus currents, apparently somewhat counter, flowed to- 
gether in the formation of The American Baptist Publication 
Society. In the early days of the Society many columns in 
the American Baptist Magazine were given to accounts of it. 


13. Story of Origin 


Turning from generative factors to the actual inception of 
The American Baptist Publication Society, we are highly 
blessed in having the story from the pen of the man in whose 
house it was born and who was its first general secretary, then 
called Agent, Mr. George Wood. For this we are indebted 
to Dr. J. Newton Brown, the first Book Editor of the Society, 
whose invaluable “ History of The American Baptist Publica- 
tion Society from 1824 to 1856” has long been out of print. 

Seventy years ago, Mr. Wood (and probably Doctor 
Brown) knew the exact spot so well as a matter of course that 
it did not occur to them to locate it precisely. The present 
writer hunted high and low for the birth- -place of the Publica- 


[ 22 | 


e 


BOOKS S20 


‘Bees 
 . 





BIRTHPLACE OF THE SOCIETY AND HOME OF 


“ THE COLUMBIAN STAR” 
923 and 925 E Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 





IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


tion Society. Three heads of departments of the Library of 
Congress failing to discover the location of the “ Columbian 
Star,” though the paper was published in 1824 by one after- 
wards long Librarian of Congress, one of them enlisted Allen 
C. Clark, Esq., an expert in local topography. His patient 
researches put with data concerning property known by us as 
being given the Baptist General Convention by Luther Rice 
and occupied by George Wood and the “ Star,” fix with cer- 
tainty the precise location in Washington. In modern nomen- 
clature Wood lived at 923, and the “ Star’ was published at 
925 E Street, N. W. Mirabile dictu, both buildings are stand- 
ing in 1924, and the birth-place of the Publication Society is, 
one hundred years afterward, a book-store! We must be 
detained from the unique and original story long enough for 
a short paragraph from Doctor Brown’s preparatory account 
in which he uses the very word we have chosen for our title, 
mibioneers,, : . 


The circulation of Bibles, to which the formation of the American 

Bible Society in 1816 had given a powerful impulse, was necessarily 
limited by the bulk and cost of the precious volume; but Tracts by 
their cheapness, their simplicity, point, variety, and brevity, were seen 
to be adapted to an unlimited circulation—reaching the most secluded 
dwelling—arresting the most careless traveler by land or sea, with 
words of warning and of salvation—and acting as PIONEERS both 
to the missionary and the Bible. 
Any one who reads all the records of the Hundred Years will 
find that this is the word which has instinctively sprung to the 
lips and pens of those who have intimately known and advo- 
cated the work of the Society. For example, Dr. P. S. Hen- 
son, our incomparable champion, in his address at the seventy- 
fifth anniversary of the Society said, “‘ The first thing to which 
I desire to call your attention today is the fact that our Society 
does a pioneer work.” 


Rev. J. Newton Brown, WasHInctTon, Marcu 25TH, 1853. 


Dear Bro.: I have received yours of the 10th inst., requesting me to 
give you my recollections of the formation and early history of the 


[ 23 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Baptist General Tract Society. I have delayed to reply until I could 
make such examination as would enable me to put down the dates 
with all accuracy. This I am now able to do, and I give you my 
recollections with pleasure. 

At the time of the organization of this Society, the Columbian Col- 
iege was in full operation. Among the students in the senior class 
was my much loved friend James D. Knowles, who then edited the 
“ Columbian Star,” a weekly paper, with signal ability and success. 
This paper was printed at the Columbian office in E Street, at that 
time, next my residence. Mr. Knowles was, from necessity, much of 
his time in the city, and made my house his home. His “chum” at 
his entrance into the college was the Rev. NOAH DAVIS, of Salis- 
bury, Maryland. Davis left the college without graduating, and was 
ordained at Salisbury on the 21st of December, 1823. 

In the February following, Mr. Knowles received a letter from Mr. 
Davis, of which the following is an extract: 

“T have been thinking for some time past how a Tract Sociéty can 
be got up in Washington, which shall hold the same place among the 
Baptists, that the American Tract Society* does among the Congrega- 
tionalists. I feel very much the necessity of having tracts to scatter 
in the waste places. It is a plan of doing good but little known among 
Baptists. No place is more suitable for such a society,” etc. 

This was a matter of much conversation with Mr. Knowles and 
myself. It was seen that the agent of the Society must bear the 
weight of it; and of all our circles there was no one but myself that 
was not already burdened by duties to the College, to the Board of 
Missions, to the Education Society; for in these days everything cen- 
tered in Washington. If I would agree to be the agent, then Mr. 
Knowles said he would push the matter, through the columns of the 
“Star ’’—and so it rested for a week or more. My health was very 
wretched ,at the time, being a confirmed dyspeptic, occasioned by my 
office life in Washington; but I was prevailed upon to consent. It 
seemed too great a matter to be delayed for want of any aid I could 
tender. 


Accordingly on the 21st of February, 1824, the following notice ap- 
peared insthesastare: 


“Those persons who are disposed to assist in forming a 
Baptist General Tract Society in this city, are requested to 


meet at the house of Mr. George Wood, on Wednesday eve- 
ning (20th inst.), at 7 o’clock.” 


A meeting was held, pursuant to notice, which was presided over by 
the Rev. Dr. Wm. Staughton, President of the: Columbian College. 


‘Then in Boston—not the truly national institution afterwards formed in New York. 


| 24 | 


IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 








The constitution which had been drafted by Mr. Knowles, was offered, 
amended, and adopted, and the following officers were chosen for the 
year ensuing. I give the names, that you may see who were the active 
members at that day in Washington: Rev. Obadiah D. Brown, Presi- 
dent; Rev. John Bryce, Vice-President; Mr. George Wood, Agent; Mr. 
Isaac G. Hutton, Recording Secretary; Rev. Luther Rice, Treasurer. 
Directors: Rev. Wm. Staughton, Rev. S. W. Lynd, Joseph Gibson, Joseph 
Shaw, Enoch Reynolds, Reuben Johnson, and James D. Knowles. 

As soon as this Society was made public through the columns of the 
“ Star,” it was everywhere welcomed by our brethren, and I at once found 
myself in the midst of a wide-spread correspondence. Among those who 
were its first and best friends, stand the names of Rev. Abner W. Clopton, 
of Charlotte, Virginia; Rev. Jesse Mercer, of Powelton, Georgia; Rev. 
Eli Ball, of Lynchburg, Va.; Rev. C. D. Mallary, of Columbia, S. C., by 
whose agencies auxiliary societies were formed; and on the 11th of 
December, 1824, Mr. Knowles, in an article concerning the Society, says: 
“The Tract Society is advancing with great zeal and success in the ful- 
fillment of its duties. Since its organization in February last it has 
printed nineteen tracts, amounting to one hundred and fifty-six pages, and 
86,500 copies”; (of which the list is given) and adds—‘ It is designed to 
employ active agents as soon as possible, to assist in forming auxiliary 
societies to procure subscriptions, life memberships,” etc., etc. 

It was not long before the unsuitableness of Washington as the seat 
of publication began to be felt. Our first tracts were not stereotyped, 
and our editions were soon exhausted. So it was determined to 
stereotype all future tracts, as well as those already printed. To do 
this the selected tracts must needs be sent to Philadelphia; and after 
the tracts were printed in Washington, nearly one-half of all published 
were sent to Philadelphia to be shipped to Charleston, Savannah, and 
elsewhere. And here I beg to acknowledge the services of Mr. 
Simmes, apothecary, in Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, by whom all 
boxes and bundles were received and forwarded without compensa- 
tion. I have never seen Mr. Simmes, nor do I know if he be living 
now. 

It was the aim and ambition of our great and gifted Luther Rice 
to make Washington a Baptist center of influence. And if matters 
of money, of which he knew nothing, had been under the control of 
men of business talent, who had been taught the science of book- 
keeping (which no man can acquire without practise after thirty years 
of age), then the foresight and far-reaching sagacity of Brother Luther 
would ere this have been demonstrated in the moral influence we as 
Baptists would exert over a wide-spread union of States. Everybody 
in and near our city went for centralization, and our little Baptist Gen- 


* For copy see supplement. 


[ 25 ] 


+ PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








eral Tract Society, when organized, became part and parcel of Brother 
Luther’s grand scheme; and no embarrassments in the successful 
working out of the plans and purposes of this Tract Society in the 
city of Washington were to be regarded. To talk of removing this 
Society to Philadelphia, was a sort of treason, and I was the first to 
talk of it; for I was the first to feel the necessity of its removal. It 
seemed to me not only inexpedient to retain it here, but a great 
wrong done to the cause, to restrain the usefulness of a Society so 
admirably adapted to a wide sphere of ever-increasing usefulness. 

At the annual meeting held on the 28th of February, 1825, I made 
an earnest effort to induce the members in Washington to agree to a 
removal. I made a full and fair representation of all the trouble I 
had in sending tracts away; the delay for want of a packet vessel 
and of lines of transportation; and the discontent existing among the 
auxiliary societies at the slowness of publication and of distribution; 
but all these statements were unavailing. It was with great reluc- 
tance that I consented to act as Agent for the year ensuing. In this 
year (1825) the affairs of the College became more and more em- 
barrassed, and loss of confidence in the College affairs, of which 
Luther Rice was Agent and Treasurer, extended to the affairs of the 
Baptist General Tract Society. My position as Agent became more 
and more painful. I was weary of writing letters of explanation 
and apology. 

At the close of the second year, Rev. Noah Davis, who was a Mr. 
Greatheart in his day, deeply realizing the necessity of a change of 
locality, came up to see me and offered to assume the office of Agent, 
if the Society was removed to Philadelphia; for our brethren there 
had been consulted and were ready to accept all its duties and respon- 
sibilities... A meeting was held at my house, and the question was 
presented to the officers and directors present; but though the monied 
affairs of the College were dark and desperate, and fast approaching 
the slough of despond into which they were soon after plunged (but 
out of which they are now happily emerging), Luther Rice, with his 
lion-hearted courage and confidence in the greatness of his strength, 
would not consent to the removal. As a last resort, hoping to compel 
a change, I resigned the Agency, which had been only fruitful, to me, 
of toil and suffering. The office of Agent was taken by Rev. Baron 
Stow (now of Boston), who held it for a short time. But the end in 
Washington was at hand. It was seen that there could be no post- 
ponement of the question—removal or annihilation—and the earnest 
entreaties of Noah Davis were at last successful. 

With regard to the history of the Society from the time of its re- 
moval to Philadelphia, you need no aid from me in remembering its 
developments. It has far exceeded my hopes. Its operations have 
been growing wider, and, taking a loftier range. I rejoice in all I 


[ 26 ] 


IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


hear of its success, and hope the circle of its usefulness will only be 
bounded by the wants of mankind. 
With great regard, yours, GrorGE Woop. 


14. Other Original Stories 


Doctor Brown has preserved for us another original docu- 
ment of almost equal interest, especially in view of the final 
location of the Society in Philadelphia. It is from Mr. John 
S. Meehan, an early superintendent of the printing work of 
the Triennial Convention, to Rev. B. R. Loxley, formerly a 
general agent of the Society. It is happily suggestive that this 
first conception of a Baptist Publication Society was in the 
mind and hands of a Philadelphia Baptist Sunday-school 
teacher who was to be afterward for thirty-one years (1829- 
1860) Librarian of the largest library in America, the Library 


of Congress. 
WASHINGTON, SEPT. 27, 1855. 


When I resided in Philadelphia, I had charge of a class in the Sansom 
Street Sunday school, and almost every month had a difficulty in dealing 
out tracts to the children, on account of their anti-Baptist tendencies. 
[This was prior to 1820.] No Baptist tracts were then printed. I was 
‘the printer of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions at the time, and 
determined to propose the establishment of a Baptist Tract Society in 
Philadelphia, with the intention of making it the commencement of a 
General Society. In compliance with this design, I had two tracts 
set in type, as the first publications to be submitted to the Society 
when formed. 

The subjéct was not matured in Philadelphia, owing to the deter- 
mination of the Baptist Convention [in April, 1820] to found a College 
and Theological Seminary in Washington, and to remove the publica- 
tions of the Board of Missions and the Board itself to Washington. 
When we arrived in Washington, I proposed to found the General 
Tract Society here. But it was not deemed advisable at the time to 
do so, as all the effective Baptist force here was engaged energetically 
in advancing the prosperity of the College, and the publication of the 
“Columbian Star,” a weekly religious newspaper, and the “ Latter 
Day Luminary,” a magazine which was originated in Philadelphia in 
the year 1818, as the official publication of the Board of Missions 
under the authority of the General Convention. 

Although the establishment of a Baptist Tract Society was not 
matured in Fhiladelphia, it was originated there in its design, and 


[ 27 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








founded on the necessity existing for such an institution. The young 
brethren at the Theological Institution in Philadelphia, under the 
care of Doctor Staughton and the Rev. Mr. Chase, knew of the design, 
and gave it their sanction. Ultimately it was brought into being by 
them in the Columbian College four years after their removal to 
Washington, and before my connection with the Board had terminated 
as printer. The first tracts were printed while I had charge of the 
printing establishment under the Board of Missions. 


For another picturesque bit of preliminary history we are 
indebted to another of the great Editors of the Society. Next 
to Doctor Brown’s History stands “ A Story of Six Decades ”’ 
(the first six) by Dr. C. R. Blackall. Though living at the 
end of the ten decades, Doctor Blackall talked with one of the 
forefathers of the Society and gives us the authentic tradition 
as follows: | 


It was the custom of some, as the Rev. Samuel Cornelius, then of 
Alexandria, Virginia, told the writer, to carry a stock of tracts in the 
inner lining of their “ bell-crown hats,” where they were always con- 
venient of access. Those old-time hats were often put to good ac- 
count by busy people whose pockets were few. They were from 
seven to eight inches high, bell shaped, with a breadth of eleven inches 
at the top, and had a brim of two and a half inches, partly turned up, 
from the band. In some instances the inside was fitted with sundry 
pockets for bills and accounts, and often for articles of light merchan- 
dise, the silk pocket-handkerchief in general use being almost univer- 
sally added. It will readily be seen that such a hat formed a very 
good receptacle for a moderate supply of tracts. It is said that the 
dropping of some tracts from the hat of Mr. Cornelius, on one occa- 
sion, fired anew the heart of the Rev. Noah Davis, of Salisbury, Mary- 
land, to the need of some better and more fitting depository, with an 
organization behind it, and a broad and comprehensive work beyond it. 


15. First Publication 


The first document issued was properly a prospectus of the 
Society. It was a considerable pamphlet. In addition to the 
constitution and the names of the officers it contained an ex- 
tended appeal to the denomination including this: 


The tracts will, for the most part, be confined to practical subjects; 
but the Directors will feel themselves at liberty to advocate, occasion- 


[ 28 | 


IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


ally, with Christian candor, the doctrines and forms which Baptists 
believe and practise. 


It continued “ showing by various examples the usefulness of 
tracts.’ It enumerated five groups of natural users of tracts, 
closing with a concise, statesmanlike historical paragraph: 


Their effects have been manifested in the conversion of sinners to 
the faith of the gospel; the reformation of the vicious; and the en- 
lightening of the ignorant. Sabbath schools are particularly calcu- 
lated to give circulation to tracts. These may be distributed as re- 
wards to scholars, and thus they will probably be read by the scholars 
themselves, and by their parents. Domestic missionaries can dis- 
tribute tracts in their progress, and thus convey instruction to those 
whom they cannot personally visit, and give a deeper impression to 
the truths which they preach. Destitute churches may very profitably 
be supplied with tracts. Instruction and comfort may thus be obtained, 
where the word of life is not regularly preached. Ministers of the gospel 
have frequent opportunities to disperse tracts under favorable circum- 
stances. In their journeys and pastoral visits, they never should be 
unprovided with suitable tracts. Every individual has daily oppor- 
tunities to distribute tracts. If every one should carry a few tracts 
with him constantly, and give them to persons likely to profit by them, 
it is impossible to calculate the benefit which might result. The Bible 
is but a collection of tracts, divinely inspired, but written by different 
men, and in different ages and countries. The infidels of France, dur- 
ing the Revolution, published their doctrines in the form of tracts, for 
the purpose of extensive circulation. Christians adopted the same 
expedient, and incalculable good has been the consequence. The 
London Religious Tract Society was established in 1799. It has pub- 
lished (in twenty-five years) more than 50,000,000 of tracts, The Ameri- 
can Tract Society (of Boston) more than 3,000,000 of tracts (in ten 
years) since 1814. Other Societies in this country about 2,000,000 
more. 


It is interesting to get a view of contemporary public opinion 
concerning the Society in its “early infancy,’’ shown in the 
account given by a denominational journal. The “ Latter 
Day Luminary ” of March, 1825, says: 


9 


The first annual meeting of this Society was held in the meeting- 
house of the First Baptist Church in this City, on Monday evening, 
the 28th of February, 1825. From the report of the Board which was 
then read, it appears that the prospects of success in the great objects 
of the Society, are flattering to a degree far beyond the anticipation. 


[291 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


of its founders. Many of the most enlightened and influential of the 
denomination, in most parts of the United States, have expressed their 
unqualified approbation of the undertaking, and their readiness to 
cooperate in such measures as will tend to its enlargement. Many 
auxiliary societies are already formed, and depositaries are established 
in several of the States. Nineteen tracts have already been issued, and 
the number will be rapidly increased. This institution is yet in its 
early stage of infancy; and if the countenance which it has already 
received, may be regarded as an indication of its future support, the 
most happy results may be confidently expected. 
The amount received into the Treasury is: 


Fromthe General-Societyi+...5 2 ee ee $25.00 
From Life Subscribers)... 2 essen eee eee 50.00 
‘From Auxiliary Societies: js 1: ae ee ae 268.66 
From Depositoriesi sie2e2. s,s eee ee 20.20 
From Individtials:))..0 42. «eee es ee 9.94 

$373.80 


16. First Catalog 
The Society's first Catalog (1825) is a suggestive part of 











the early history: Pages 
Copies oe ids: 
No. #1. .Constitution,: Gircularsretcss i eee eee 5,000 12 60,000 
No. 2.5 Liteioip Bunyan. 22 nee a eee 2,500 12 30,000 
No. 3. The Great Question Answered ........... 2,500 8 20,000 
No.4.) Friendly SA dviceis: n= ieee eee eee 2,500 4 10,000 
No.5.) ‘They Pensioner.) 26 eee 2,500 8 20,000 
No. 6. The Death Bed of a Medical Student .... 2,500 4 10,000 
No.2. A iSundayssExcursionie.) oe eee 2,500 8 20,000 
Nox, 82 "LhentworApprenticess. sane ee 2,500 4 10,000 
No 9.) Thoughts. on the Gospel = een oe eee 3,000 12 36,000 
No. 10. History of John Robbins, the Sailor ..... 5,000 12 72,000 
Noobi. «The Contrasts ms se 6,000 12 72,000 
Nowiz, ‘Thes Brazen) Serpents. oe eae ee 6,000 4 24,000 
No-13.) Address to/the’Sinner’.4,.30 2 eee 6,000 8 48,000 
No. 14. Religion, the One Thing Needful ....... 6,000 4 24,000 
No. 15. The Power of Conscience, or the Death 
of AltomOnte..t.. 0 eee 6,000 8 48,000 
No. 16. Ellen, a Pleasing Instance of Early Piety.. 6,000 12 72,000 
No. 17. The ‘Happy, Waterman ).4ne ast ee ee ee 6,000 8 48,000 
No./18,. The’ Ways tosHappiness:: eee nee) eee 6,000 4 24,000 
No.19. The Dreadful Superstition of the Hindoos 6,000 8 48,000 
85,500 696,000 


| 30 | 


Ae. be Staiiug kins 


i Ak oe A a Aa Be ck a ce 


Rn eee TN 


‘ — SSA OSA. EN ee ees SS RN RN RA ee 8 Oe OS ¥ it 
$ 





New Serics, &Se 


PROFITS SACRED TO THE CAUSH OF MISSIONS. 
Soetinoteaete eee 











: on ee - 
pessoas oseeetias eRe BRB G  3 





THE 


ag: 
abe 


fe EWR RSENS VENER ENG HERS ON PRESSE ORS EWR CON OSD 


LATTER DAY LUMINARY, 
BY A COMMITTEE 
ay 
THF. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 
General Convention of the Baptist Denomination 
in the United States. 


aie 
tes 


: 
ye 
+ 
i 
1: 
: 


(ES 


Pha 
ee 







oh 
at 


. 


Sate 





Vou vo FEBRU ARY, 182. 2 [Nols. 


xe Peabo 
ue oy Fm Bie 
poy ma ied 














| Letter from Hellngham, Mass. — shad Columbian Collere : . 4 


ein! 


~ Satie 
"* 


ai 
‘ 
is 71° ae 
iy CONTENTS. At iF: 
i COMMESTEATIONS. poge ba = | 
poge | Letter from Frege: New- ah #2 
+ | Proper Estimate of the cones Yuk  - * 57 | 
Lh Character - Si Letter fram Rochester see a 
a3 Thoughts on Special Prayer 35 5 3 Yurk » ibid 4 ie 
i i) ‘The Christian's Directory - 43 coer from Meadow Dale, vi ye te. 
mi MISaIUS ORY Kints thid 3b SE 
i . Letter from Malifax county, < 
Foreign. Vie wink ee - ‘ 5a » o 
dee Iwich Islands - : 49 Letter from Craven county, Us -< 
Leticr trom Mr. Ellis - < bd North Carolina — - 8 ibid + &¥e 
Lotter trom the missionanes to Letter from Montgomery couri- ae 
Mr Vis . 54, ty, Georgia thd +5 
Letter foom Mr. Ellie to the | Letter from. Me Peck, Hines 59 oF 
nussioparies ~~ 53) Letter fromthe Rev, L, MC oy ibid ob 
RELICIOT A. i c+ @ pr. 
ONC ELL ANROUS, 3 E- 
Letter from Middleborough, ne panic! $ * 
Mass. - ms oe te he Wine Press - . . 39 > aFr 
Letter from Ashfield, Mass, ded) Rev. Edward Irvin ‘ 60 * ae 


elie ek i 
psssssatiamanssssaaestenensent 


coal 


WASHINGTON CITY: 


PRINTED ANB PUBLISHED BY JOHN 8. ME RIAN, COLUMOIA® 
OFFICN, NORTH & stMetT. 





Se RE a nally: x 
Psa Ws ee ents ee 
A ewewnwewnewer se ave renceseseees ae ee was . 


1821. 


YES DERE 
< # ee 

ss fi ; ce 
eee ta tise 


ENN ON ONO EN ATOR Ne Bn et en 8 ER WEEE NT SERENE NRO WED OAS BR ER OS OR en 00 i 8 kk RE A eS 


¢ 


SAPIENS ERA DEWAN DAN DSR WAAL AN 48 BRA SS BR HRN 8D ONO 8 Ee, 


vp hemegeeonanes SLT tad 3 TSS et Uae Mee | 


Cty S6@ey sory the 4% Sy pee 
Meee Tage nt Rae Sart a pat i eae it ae FON 


COVER PAGE OF “ THE LATTER DAY LUMINARY ” 
February, 1824 


oe. * ee Sng PR am Cy sect 

z % oe re ek “ot, : 
~ i : ‘ 
a ss 2 % er : 
a Pe F 4 a se 


er 
1. Pie 
* STi 
ar” 
<< 
* 
¥ 
‘ 
. 
ps 
a 
| q 
J 
. 
=, 
) 
: 


| 


hore 


ri “ ] 
vide ae 


i 


a] 
a 
4 


4 
1s 
f 


a 


J 


4 v 
oe peal 
id 
why 
% , 





IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


It was characteristic of the annual reports of the Society 
for many years to give instances of the convincing and con- 
verting power of the tracts. By 1830 they report that the 
following numbers have been particularly blessed: 


No. 47, “ Examine Your State”; No. 52, “ The Nature and Importance 
of Repentance”; No. 43, “ The Conversion of Andrew Fuller”; and his 
tract, No. 6, “ The Great Question Answered”; No. 30, “ The Death of an 
Infidel”; and No. 4, “The Life and Experience of Mrs. Hamilton.” It 
is so cheering to our hearts to obtain this kind of evidence of the favor 
of our Lord, we hope our brethren in every part of the country will be 
ready to communicate to us a knowledge of all such instances as may 
become known to them. It deserves to be mentioned to the praise of God, 
that the accounts of conversions effected by means of tracts, which are 
constantly published in the magazines and reports of the American and 
London Tract Societies, are very numerous, and show abundantly that it is 
a chosen method by which the Holy Spirit is turning the hearts of many 
of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. Perhaps it is safe to say 
that there is no class of human writings, which produces so great and 
extensive results of spiritual good, and obtains so many testimonies of 
divine approbation as tracts. 


The Tenth Annual Report adduces elaborate evidence that the 
Baptist General Tract Society has been approved by the de- 
nomination almost universally. 


17. A Modern Instance 


A full account of the whole hundred years of tract work 
would make a volume in itself, lustrous with the light of life. 
When Edward Judson, with the missionary devotion and the 
intellectual gifts of his illustrious father along with the highest 
culture of the dawning twentieth century, bent his energies to 
meet the spiritual needs of lower New York City, he employed 
tracts as an important measure. Picture tracts were espe- 
cially promoted by him. Of the many “ floral tracts”? now 
published by the Society one series of 50 is known as “ the 
Judson Memorial Tracts.’’ In his epoch-making little book 
“The Institutional Church” he says that a pastor in his 
parish visits 


[ 31 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


should carry with him a few well-assorted tracts with a pretty picture on 
the first page and the church notice printed on the last. In this way 
the children are conciliated, a message is borne suited to the condition 
to each member of the household—inquirers, young Christians, the 
sorrowing, intemperate, and so on—besides a definite souvenir of the 
pastor’s visit is left behind. 


In describing his evangelistic after-meetings he says, 


Sometimes, having put some one in the chair to give out familiar 
hymns, I pass through the audience distributing some little floral tract, 
under cover of which I have a little personal word with those who 
may seem interested, trying to persuade them to show some sign of 
interest at the very next opportunity. 


If any student of the subject would like to put himself in 
touch with the ablest kind of advocacy of the use of tracts let 
him read the addresses in the annual reports of the Society in 
1887 by Wayland Hoyt and Edward Judson; in 1888 by P. S. 
Henson, and in 1893 by F. L. Anderson. A story of the mar- 
velous cumulative influence of a booklet was given in the intro- 
duction of the Jubilee Memorial of the Religious Tract Society 
of England, which has been often repeated. It was most 
minutely retold at the annual meeting of our own Society in 
1860 by J. Hyatt Smith. 7 


18. “ Small Arms ” 


It is not easy to draw the line sharply between tracts and 
books. Many of the most useful productions of the Society 
are booklets. ‘The latest catalog classifies these as “ pam- 
phlets ” along with the tracts under the general caption “ Small 
Arms.” Thirty two-column pages are closely packed with the 
list of them. The present history requires at least the heads 
under which they are listed. Baptist History, Baptist Reason- 
ing (General, Baptism, Communion), Biography, Steward- 
ship, Missions, The Future Life, The Way of Life, What is 
the Bible? What is Truth? Social Service, Work of the 
Church, For Christian Workers, Converts, Awakening and 


[ 32 | 


IN THE BEGINNING, TRACTS 


Directing, Spurgeon’s Tracts, For Inquirers, In Foreign Lan- 
guages (Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian, Finnish, French, Ger- 
man, Hungarian, Cherokee, Seminole, Italian, Lithuanian, 
Polish, Portuguese, Roumanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, 
Spanish, Swedish). Asa pastor, the present writer found of 
great help a number of the pamphlets on Baptist history and 
Baptist doctrine, and also such a white booklet for the sorrow- 
ing as Doctor Dobbins’. “Scripture Comfort for the 
Bereaved.”’ 


19. Continual Growth 


As compared with the 85,500 copies of the nineteen tracts 
of the first catalog, at the end of only fifteen years more we 
had published over 3,500,000 copies of 162 different tracts. 
By the middle of our One Hundred Years the Society was 
publishing 382 tracts, 58 of them in six foreign languages. 

If you compare the complete catalog of 1924 with that of 
1825, you see by the enormous development of tract work 
that we have not outgrown the wisdom of the fathers in plant- 
ing a Tract Society, but have been diligently cultivating that 
fruitful field. The tract was our first and for years our only 
“Jamp-stand.” It is the one which has stood throughout the 
century. From this lamp-stand’ the light has been shining 
every one of the eight hundred and seventy-six thousand 
hours. ‘‘ Memorable Thoughts and Holy Resolutions’ was 
the title of an early tract. How many such thoughts have 
been radiated since, and how many such resolutions have been 
energized by the steadily increasing number of tracts! The 
current catalog shows more than three thousand of those light 
points now standing. During the Century literally billions of 
the luminous leaves have been issued. It has been in veritable 
fact one hundred years of Radiant Energy. At the Seventy- 
fifth Anniversary Doctor Henson could say, “ A single tract 
has been known to lead forty persons to Christ in one year.” 


[ 33 | 


I] 
BOOKS AND HYMN-BOOKS 


20. Our Biblia 


Of the making of books there was a beginning. It was only 
ten years after the Society’s organization. It was like the 
first volume of the Sacred Scriptures, a collection of tested and 
approved tracts. But we have a more explicit record than we 
have of the collection of precious “ little books,’ Biblia, in the 
second century. Our nineteenth-century book of little books 
was announced somewhat at length in the year of its concep- 
tion and more concisely in the Proceedings of the Society, 
1835. “ Ata meeting of the Board of Managers of the Bap- 
tist General Tract Society, Philadelphia, September 6, 1834, 
the following resolution was adopted : | 


Resolved, that this Society, without relaxing in any degree its efforts 
for the general circulation of tracts, relying on the blessing of God 
and the zealous cooperation of its friends for help, will endeavor, with 
the least possible delay, to place by sale or donation, a bound volume 
of its select publications in every family willing to receive the same, in 
the States of Tennéssee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. 

Brethren, you are here presented with an object of great interest, 
magnitude, and importance. The volume will contain about 400 pages. 
The price will be fifty cents, neatly bound in sheep. For extra binding 
in calf, or morocco, gilt, an additional charge will be made, according 
to the expense. The Manual will be ready for subscribers the First of 
April, 1835. 


Did our first book take well? Here is the record in 1837: 


Two editions of this work have been published and circulated during 
the year just closed. The book meets with universal approbation. A 
friend in New Jersey accompanies his donation for the circulation of 
this volume with the following remarks: “ As you well know I was an 
early friend to the plan of publishing a volume to be called the Baptist 
Manual, so I mean to bé a staunch friend to that work. I wish the 
fifty dollars herewith to be used for that purpose. Many people de- 


[ 34 ] 


BOOKS AND HYMN-BOOKS 





spise a tract but will keep and read a book. Not that I wish to have 
tracts stop circulating, but I am persuaded that much, much more, 
should be done for books. I will give as long as I have the means 
for this object. The ‘Manual’ I approve of, and hope that increased 
efforts may be made to place it in every family in the country, and 
especially in the Western Valley.” 


21. Dealing in Books 


But long before the Society gathered some of its tracts into 
a book it had been promoting the distribution of books. Its 
depositories in various parts of the country were often in book- 
stores and were always literary propagation-points. This 
paragraph in the annual report of 1832 as to the central de- 
positary shows. that it had become itself a book-store almost 
from the start: 


Book Concern. Connected with the sale of tracts in the General 
Depository is that of stationery and religious books, on commission. 
The amount of the book sales during the year, is $434.65, and the 
profits arising therefrom to the Society are $90.15. 


Books were handled chiefly on commission. The record by 
the tenth year makes you feel that stepping into the Philadel- 
phia home of the Society ninety years ago would have brought 
one into an atmosphere there like that of today: 


The Baptist General Tract Society keep a Depository of their publica- 
tions at No. 21 South Fourth Street. Also, a general assortment of Sab- 
bath School books, published by Dea. James Loring, Boston, and the 
Massachusetts Baptist Sunday School Union. Also, a good assort- 
ment of religious books, Baptist papers, pamphlets, magazines, min- 
utes, etc., of almost every description. All the profits arising from the 
sale of books goes to aid the Society in its operations. 


22. Creating Books 


Out of all this development of tract compilation and book 
dealing naturally sprang the creation of books as such. In 
fact the denomination demanded it. As early as 1835 the 
General Convention of Baptists asked the Society to 


[35] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








so alter its constitution as to include such publications, .. chiefly such 
as set forth the peculiar and, as they are believed to be, Scriptural 
principles of the denomination. 


The issuing of the “ Manual”’ of tracts was a partial re- 
sponse. It was not, however, until 1839 that the great ven- 
ture was made in what was called “the volume enterprise.” 


It is proposed as early as possible to secure the following additions 
to the series of the Society’s publications. The issue of Bound Vol- 
umes to consist of a Doctrinal Series, a Historical Series, and a Bio- 
graphical Series. There can be no doubt that the object and design 
of the Society as set forth in its Constitution, embraces a sphere of 
action as wide as this; and the example of the American Tract Society, 
the Religious Tract Society in London, and indeed the practises of 
our own Society ever since its removal to this city, prove the pro- 
priety and usefulness of the circulation of volumes as well as smaller 
tracts. The Board are deeply impressed with the conviction that a 
vigorous effort should be made the present year to commence the 
publication of volumes in each of these series. Baptists as a denomi- 
nation have not reason to be ashamed of their history; and the 
memorials of many of the early labors for the promotion of Christ’s 
cause in this and in other lands, will be directly adapted to furnish 
the instruction and encouragement which we need, to prompt us to 
more self-denying and enlarged enterprises for the advancement of 
the Redeemer’s kingdom. These memorials may now be secured by 
a timely effort, and that kind of cooperation which it is believed this 
society may call forth and concentrate. Another generation will find 
it more difficult if not impossible, to gather up these precious frag- 
ments of history and biography. Shall this anniversary be suffered 
to pass away without an earnest endeavor to arouse the slumbering 
energies of our denomination, and fix on some plan for calling forth 
the requisite liberality, to enable the Board which may now be elected, 
to enter immediately upon this great work? 


There is a throb of exhilaration in the record the following 
year: 


The Volume Enterprize has been commenced, and three Bound 
Volumes have already been issued from our Press, consisting of 
Backus’ “ Church History,” Booth’s “ Reign of Grace,” and “ Memoirs 
of Distinguished Christians,” which both for interest in matter and 
beauty in workmanship, will vie with any that have been presented 
to the public throughout the year by other publishers. This operation 
cost the Society $445.57, an edition of 1000 has been printed, and 500 


[ 36 ] 


BOOKS AND HYMN-BOOKS 


volumes of each, making one-half the edition, have been bound, and 
879 of these have already been circulated, since November last. 


What a noble trilogy with which to begin! It was, first, a 
history of the kingdom of God on earth with special reference 
to the deeply essential part which Baptists had taken as the 
foremost champions of liberty of thought, and written by 
Backus, who had represented them on that score in the Con- 
tinental Congress. Then came “ The Reign of Grace” fol- 
lowed by an account of “ Distinguished Christians ”’ bringing 
practical religion to bear in its most stimulating form, in fact 
the only ultimately valid form—personality. 


23. Sets of Classics 


There was an early development in the production of books 
worthy of the noble beginning. Whole sets of classic works 
were issued. In 1845-6 the complete Works of Andrew Fuller 
were published in three volumes aggregating 2,420 pages 
octavo and selling for $7.50. This was an epochal event and 
deserves full record: 


It was not until after much correspondence, consultation with pub- 
lishers, ministers of the gospel, and other brethren, that the Board 
decided on the plan and style of publishing the works of this distin- 
guished writer. Three plans were before the Committee: First, to 
publish “select works,” leaving out all that had been written for 
special occasions, or emergent circumstances, as his Defence of the 
Mission in India against the hostile position of the Government, and 
other articles for special purposes. 2nd, To condense by small type, 
crowded pages, and double columns, so as to bring all his writings 
into two large octavo volumes, that could have been sold at $6. 
3rdly, To publish his works complete, in three large octavo volumes, 
fair type, good paper, and in a style tasteful and substantial, that 
would ensure permanence; at a greater expense. Those we consulted 
were nearly unanimous in favor of the latter plan, which has been 
adopted. .. It is expected the ministry of our churches and theologi- 
cal students will procure these volumes, whatever else may be wanting 
in their libraries. 

One of our most eminent living divines (not a Baptist) said that 
for theological learning, he read Fuller before Edwards, and advised 
students to do so. 


[ 37 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Doctor Alexander, the distinguished theologian of Princeton, 
reviewed the work at length in the “ Biblical Repository,” say- 
ing among other things, ““ We have made up our mind never 
to contend with any man for agreeing in doctrinal points with 
Andrew Fuller.”’ No wonder that Princeton conferred on 
this English Baptist the degree of Doctor of Divinity even in 
those days of intense national and sectarian prejudice. Dr. 
Lyman Beecher, the great Congregationalist, said, “ A better 
service for the truth to the present day can scarcely be done 
than by the extensive circulation of the works of Andrew 
Fuller.” Even a great Methodist periodical joined the uni- 
versal chorus, excepting of course the strong Calvinistic 
feature of Fuller’s works. The annual report in 1846 said: 


These works have been everywhere received with great favor, 
among all evangelical denominations. The beautiful style of our 
edition has also received high commendation. 


Another great set consisted of the works of John Bunyan. 
It may be recalled that Tract No. 2 was a twelve-page “ Life 
of Bunyan.” Some of his writings were among the earlier 
publications of the Society, the “ Pilgrim’s Progress ”’ in 1840, 
but in 1852 appeared the most extensive set ever published in 
America. Two paragraphs from the introduction by J. New- 
ton Brown must be regarded as a vital part of the story of 
our lighthouse: 


The series of Bunyan’s Practical Works, collected and classified by 
The American Baptist Publication Society, is completed by the present 
volume. It is the most important enterprise, except the complete 
works of Andrew Fuller, which the Society has yet undertaken; em- 
bracing no less than forty different Works, and making between three 
and four thousand full duodecimo pages. . . These eight volumes, it 
is true, do not comprise the whole of Bunyan’s Works, which amount 
in all to sixty-two. But of these we have published three other 
volumes, embracing all his “ Allegorical Works,” namely, “ The Pil- 
grim’s Progress,” “The Sinner’s Progress,” and “The Holy War,” 
which contain about a thousand pages more, in duodecimo; besides 
reprints of his “ Heavenly Footman” and “ Barren Fig-Tree,” in a 


[ 38 | 


BOOKS AND HYMN-BOOKS 


cheap 18mo. form, suitable for Sunday schools, and general distribu- 
tion. The three allegorical works are bound in uniform style, with 
the practical; making together eleven volumes, with little less than 
five thousand pages, which for sentiment or style may be regarded 
as without a parallel in the accumulated stores of Christian literature, 
among the products of a single mind. 


These words of our first great Book Editor are seen to be 
only words of restrained sobriety when we recall what Lord 
Macaulay said to the effect that John Bunyan was one of the 
only two creative minds in the literature of the seventeenth 
century. We need not forget that the other of the eminent 
critic’s ““two”’ was another John the Baptist—Muilton. 

/ 24. History and Biography 

Since a knowledge of history gives to the human mind at 
the same time both poise and push as nothing else can do, the 
Society has published considerable history. From that first 
volume, “ History of the Baptists”’ by Backus, to the more 
than forty volumes listed at the end of the century, the total 
has been great. A considerable number has been on general 
church history. Many, in accordance with a structural pur- 
pose of the Society, have been denominational and are con- 
sidered in the next chapter. 

That most personalized form of history, biography, which 
composed one of the original volumes published, has never 
been neglected. Typical personalities belonging near the be- 
ginning and the end of the century have been Adoniram and 
Edward Judson. Among other kingdom leaders Carey, Peck, 
Spurgeon, Robinson, Colgate, Crozer, Griffith, and Morehouse 
have been portrayed. ‘Uncle John Vassar” has quickened 
as many souls in his life-story as he did in his life. 


25. Theology and Fiction 


Like the “ Reign of Grace” at the beginning most of the 
theological books issued have been in the practical rather than 
the purely speculative realm. Systematized thinking, how- 


[ 39 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








ever, has had worthy attention in the works of Fuller, Pendle- 
ton, Hovey, Johnson, Weston, Mullins, and Strong, the most 
elaborate being the three voiumes of ‘‘ Systematic Theology ” 
by President Augustus H. Strong. Four other works of his 
listed with these in 1912 make a set of seven volumes which 
might be classed with the “Complete Works of Andrew 
Fuller ” issued two generations earlier. 

A different but at the same time important line of service 
has been the production of wholesome fiction, especially for 
the young. “ Jesus spoke to the multitudes in parables; and 
without a parable he spoke nothing to them.” From the story - 
of “ The Prodigal Son” to the end of human development on 
earth, general truth revealed through concrete personalities is 
bound to be the most powerful possible putting of truth. It 
is the saving way of the infinite God—incarnation. At a time 
when many Christians were forgetting these fundamentals of 
Christianity and were railing at “novels” as works of the 
devil, the Society began publishing fiction. Some of its very 
finest tracts were of that primitive gospel nature. As early as 
1840 it published volumes of fiction, one of the early ones being 
“ Gertrude the Peacemaker.” It gave itself quite largely to 
the publication of “* Sunday-school Libraries.’ While indis- 
criminate condemnation was still common the Society carefully 
discriminated. Thus families where it was traditional to kick 
“novels”? out the back door, gladly welcomed this way of 
entertainment and instruction through the front door of the 
Sunday-school library. Recent catalogs of the Society frankly 
list more than two hundred titles of its current books as ‘‘ Fic- 
tion for home and Sunday-school libraries.” 

“ Beautiful Joe,’ by Marshall Saunders, published in 1894 
and reissued in revised form from new plates in January, 1922, 
has brought the spirit of Christ in some particulars to more 
people perhaps than any other book of its kind. Three- 
quarters of a million copies have been read by many millions 
of people, young and old. 


3} 


[ 40 | 


BOOKS AND HYMN-BOOKS 








26. Hymn-books 


It is a question whether as much actual radiant energy has 
been imparted by any of the Society's other groups of books 
as by its series of hymn-books. Embodying as they have 
much of the great poetry of the ages, further winged by great 
music and augmented in use by the power of quickening fel- 
lowship through concerted utterance, countless millions of 
spiritual impulses have been mediated through the hymn- 
books. It was a great day for the churches when the Society’s 
first edition of “The Psalmist” appeared in 1843. 

An arrangement has just been completed to publish a denomina- 
tional hymn-book, for church services, in cooperation with Gould, 
Kendall and Lincoln, Boston. The proof-sheets are now undergoing 
a revision by a committee consisting of Brother W. R. Williams, 
D. D., of New York, and eight other distinguished brethren. It has 
been compiled with great labor and care by Rev. Messrs. Baron Stow, 
of Boston, and S. F. Smith, of Newton, Mass. This plan of mutual co- 


operation bids the fairest to produce a first-rate hymn-book, acceptable 
to all parts of the country and the whole denomination. 


Edited jointly by one of the famous preachers of Boston 
and the author of “ The Morning Light is Breaking” and 
Pe veGountnysoliseot- hee, © Phe Psalmist.’ ran through 
many editions and rendered illustrious service for the churches. 
In two years the annual report (1845) said that the Society 
had published 


8,000 copies of “ The Psalmist,” in three sizes and various bindings. 
The circulation of the latter work has not been impeded by any oppo- 
sition made, nor has its hold on the confidence and affections of the 
churches been lessened, but greatly increased. It has already done 
more to produce uniformity in the use of hymn-books, and correct 
the taste of the churches, than its projectors ever anticipated. Testi- 
monials from every State, and from competent and impartial judges, 
are constantly being received. Some 15,000 copies have been issued 
from the Boston press the past year, making about 50,000 copies 
that have gone into all the length and breadth of the land. 


The first hymn-book of which the Society was the sole 
publisher was “The Baptist Harp, A New Collection of 


[ 41 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Hymns ‘for the Closet, the Family, Social Worship and Re- 
vivals,” 1849. After sixteen years came the “ Devotional 
Hymn and Tune Book” in 1870 and the “ Gospel Hymn and 
Tune Book” in 1879. The former is still issued along with 
four which have followed, ‘ The Baptist Hymnal” in 1882, 
“The Coronation Hymnal” in 1895, “ Sursum Corda” in 
1898, and “‘ The New Baptist Praise Book” in 1914. That is 
a full octave by The American Baptist Publication Society 
itself. Its first endeavor jointly with the great Boston firm 
of Gould, Kendall and Lincoln introduced denominational har- | 
mony in the worship of praise. Up to that time, since 1766, 
the scattered Baptists in the United States had gotten out 
somewhere a new hymn-book every two years—forty-two dif- 
ferent books in seventy-seven years! ‘‘ The Psalmist’ went 
through many editions and minor adaptations to the tastes of 
different sections of the country. But it was broadcast and 
all regions tuned in. ‘The Baptist Hymnal” also, issued 
forty years later, has had a wide use. About one million 
copies of it have been used. The Society has also published 
hymnals in Cherokee, Danish, Italian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, 
and Polish. 

With such famous hymn and tune writers in our own fel- 
lowship as S. F. Smith and Robert Lowry and W. H. Doane, 
devoting themselves to the production of hymn-books, it is no 
wonder that for fourscore years the Society has steadily fur- 
nished the churches a full orchestral score. 


27. Authorship and Editing 


Tracts, books, and periodicals have called into expression 
the best inspirations of a multitude of Spirit-begotten men 
and women, expression in order that others might share their 
best. ‘The Publication Society’s authors during the century 
are uncounted. <A current list (1922) shows 1063 titles (of 
books and pamphlets only) by 448 authors. Of the 243 living 
authors 225 are Baptists. Obviously it is The American 


[ 42 ] 


BOOKS AND HYMN-BOOKS 


Baptist Publication Society. This does not mean that the 
Society discriminates against others nor that it fails to dis- 
criminate among its own people. The very year of the above 
list “* The Book Publishing Department” reports: 


Endeavor is constantly being made by the department to secure 
from Baptist authors and others books which, in the judgment of the 
Book Publishing Committee, will prove worth-while contributions to 
Christian thought and service. Correspondence has been conducted 
with writers at home and abroad, and fruitage has already been had 
in works now being issued or shortly to appear. Out of eighty-eight 
manuscripts, mostly sent in without previous solicitation from the 
Society, fifty have been declined after examination by the Book Pub- 
lishing Committee; the others were accepted or are still held for 
examination. 


No wonder that such care secured quite a few “ best sellers.” 
The same report says: 


The great demand for some of the Society’s publications made it 
necessary to reset the matter, the old plates having been worn out 
in printing the hundreds of thousands of copies that have been sold. 
Thus Hiscox’s “ Standard Manual for Baptist Churches,” the 16mo. 
English Bible, and Marshall Saunders’ story, “ Beautiful Joe,’ are now 
being issued from new plates. 


Ii] 
PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND: HISTORY 


In the publication of tracts and of books by American Bap- 
tists there was a large and luminous background in 1824. Not 
so with periodicals. They were so few that every one should 
be named. Though small it was a shining galaxy. 


28. The Pleiades 


Both first and foremost stood “The American Baptist 
Magazine and Missionary Intelligencer.” It was begun in 
1803 by the Baptist Missionary Society of Massachusetts as 
the “ Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine.” In 1817 
it became the official organ of the Baptist Board of Foreign 
Missions for the whole denomination and so changed its name 
as above. It combined the features of a denominational news 
periodical, a learned religious review, a historical journal, and 
a missionary magazine. The first number of the “ New 
Series,’ 1817, had for a frontispiece an engraving of Andrew 
Fuller and for its first article a “Memorial of Rover 
Williams.” It was at first bimonthly but soon became 
monthly. Not until 1835 did the Magazine become specialized 
on foreign missions. ‘The only other periodicals of our de- 
nomination in 1824 were “ The Western New York Baptist 
Magazine,” which had been started in 1814 as “ The Vehicle,” 
“The Latter Day Luminary,” started at Philadelphia in 1818, 
“The Christian Watchman,” established at Boston in 1819, 
“The Columbian Star,” at Washington in 1822, the “ Chris- 
tian Secretary,’ at Hartford in 1822, and the “ New York 
Baptist Register,” at Utica, 1823. 

These were the seven suns in the Baptist Pleiades. It may 
be noted that the two of them which were most intimately con- 


[ 44 ] 





eye € 


RY & COMMITTER OF TUR EENPRAL CON- 
VYERVIGH OF THE FAPYseT HR NOMIRA~ 
TIOK IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Published every Saturday, 
AT THE COLUMIIAN OFFICE, 
RORTH K SINERT, 


WASHINGTON CITY. 


Tanxs.-Three dollars per annum, if paid in 
advance, of within six months after subserib- 
ing: four dollars, should payment be deferred 
to 4 later period. 


Advertisements by the 





nate, 50 cents, for 


| every snceeeding insertion, 25 cents. 


gubseribers, shall be entit 


Any person, for obtaining five reeponsible 
to the Star gratis. 


Gemmunications intended for publication in 


! the Columbian Star, should be addressed to 
; dawts BD. Kvowres, the editor: Letters on 


business, to Joux S. Mexain, the publisher, 
post paid, : 
4," Profits of the work sacred to the 


cause of 
the Gospel. : 





- Communteations. 





pans acacia ons SOR 


For the Caturabiae Star, 
Ma. Eviton. 
The tragedy, of which the following is 


«| Ave wounds that pierced Jesus on the cross, 


cosa | by force, and stuck o large nail through it, 





WASHINGTON 





es 





a - 
taken ; bart, nat suspecting a fraud, he gave 
little attention: 2 ths. The prior appear- 
cl io various Hems, sometimes in that of 
St. Harbara, at others in that uf St. Bernard ; 
at length he assumed that of the Vigia 
Mary, and, for that purpose, clothed him- 
relf in the habits that were cruployed to 
adorn the statue of the Virgin in ghe great 
festivals; the Httle images, that on these 
days are set on the altars, were made use 









effect of it, 


The following extract fromthe Christian 
Register, printed in Boston, Will show in 


calculated in some degree, to counteract an ee pecan is extracted from 





cli tedyetele ay ms Ee oe aes Neg Highs Hag Pedobear she male i spot gi: sede teem de 
d by Ov fect: ee nis = % 4 ie ‘ te 

is pets Tseng thet rhe Richmond Viton f the 27h, |mumdr of Clog Las nny # Ta 

sion, The Virgin thus equipped, addressed | 28* the following p ee = - eee the same particular Fnatruction 

a long discoarse to Jetzer, in which, among} “ The a. — geese Will, in the former case, be given to 

cher things, she told him, that shy was] Scommended to the churches, that their! 94) students, as in the latter, and tl 


children be carried to the house of the Lord, 


conceived in origined abr, though she re- commented to Wie 


mained but a short time under that blemish. 
She gave him, as a miraculous fitnof of her 
presence, a Aost, or consecrated wafer, 
which turned from white to red ina moment; 
and after various visits, in which the great: 
est cnormities were. transacted, the rirgin- 
friar told Jetaer that she would give him 
the most affecting and undoubted mnarks of 
her san’s love, by imprinting on him the 


careful attention to their marals > 
perience of Colleges, in all 
favour of a moxterate 1 


and there be publicly com i ) 
blessing and dedicated to his service. “The 
design of this ceremony ts to impress more ‘There la wat « Collese ia 
deeply on the minds of opie ciel obi | more than 200, though many are near each 
adaiy togive their children a religious eda- | The University at Oxford? contains 
Rosas ees : 85 Colleges; but they arc entirely distinet 
“What is this but the spirit of ifumr) onder different instractors, and different 
boptiam ? We rejoice to ser our cae te laws. “The Universiey at Cambridge con- 
brethres eo far conquering their prejudices tains 17 Colleges equally distinct—And 
against our practice on this subject, as to re-| there are, in addwtion ta these, 6 other Cols 
commend an important and sabstantial part iiescs in England, not aathervcd to confer 
of it to the observance of their churches.” | deprees, No man can enter Oxiurd Univer 
T will now give you my own opinion, taken f 


sity, Wiliout first subscribing to the - 

from the London Baptit Alagazine for No- nd articles of the Setablished & ae 
vember, 1833, - nor receive a degree from Caraliridge, with- 
“Is it right for Baptist ministers to take] out doing the same, Bat the policy of our 


little infants in their arms, and name them, | country is diferent. The privileges of ¢ur 
whisk than call (dedinating tham ta Clade Ly jterase Fnctitutions ase onen ta pil. without 





as she had done before to St. Lusia and St. 
Catharine. Accordingly she took is hand 





which threw the poor dupe into the greatest 
torment. The next night this masculine 
virgin brought, as he pretended, some of 
the linen in which Christ had been buried, 
tesoften the waund ond ware Ietver a kee 


PORTION OF FIRST PAGE OF “THE COLUMBIAN STAR” 
February 14, 1824 









ere re a ae Sonal 


in size, ‘Ss 
British Navy 


one handred and nine feet long, Hater 
and perfectly aquare te 

top, where it was two feet wide. Ft wks 

sawed out.of the trunk of w tenk tree, snd F 


ge et 


believe there is no part of the world where — 


these gigantic sons of the Forest 


suce magnitude as in Cochin Ching. FE hate | 


seen in the country a tree, that would ma&e 
a vateral maismast fora line of battle 
clear of khots, and this I learn Is not u 
sual.” “Their whole naval establishment 
was on a most extensive scale, and ia the 
frst order, : 
Just after the arrival of the American 
vessels, a work had beén completed, bear- 
ing the stamp of the as Roman m “ 
cence, but ata lamentable expense 
man life, This was a river or canal, twen- 
ty-three English miles long, connecting the 
seth log eanal —_ Pict oti feet 
iS t, about eighty wile, : 
an ronnh imnense forrests and morass, 
fu the short space af six weeks. i tape 
six thousand men were 7 aa deny : 
and day, by turns, in this under- 
taking, tak several thausand lives sacrificed 
by fatigue and consequent discase.” 


ha- 


city of Saragon with abranch of Camabodis | 


rp 





PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 





nected with the origination of our Society, “ The Columbian 
Star’ and “ The Latter Day Luminary ”’ bore titles showing 
that light-giving is not a centennial after-thought but was a 
dominant idea among the founders. 


29. Our Many-named 


Almost at once the Society begins its periodical ministry. 
itwemaracy Vlaeazine is rst issued in 1s27.> It is 


a monthly periodical at 50 cents a year. Each number contains 24 
pages duodecimo. It is under the editorial care of the General Agent, 
Noah Davis, and forms an important means of communication with 
the public. It embraces also useful selections, anecdotes, and annual 
denominational statistics. 


In 1837 its “Tract Magazine,” being obviously too re- 
stricted a title, was dropped... The periodical became a folio 
sheet and was called simply our “ Monthly Paper.” The next 
year it was decided to publish it semimonthly and to name it 
“The Baptist Record.”’ 


The name which it now takes is intended to indicate the character 
which it will henceforth bear. Without diminishing the monthly 
amount of matter directly relating to the tract cause, it is proposed 
to make it the vehicle of the most important information respecting 
the Baptist Denomination throughout the world. For the accomplish- 
ment of this object it will enjoy peculiar facilities. Published as it is 
from the Depository of the Society, it will have the advantage not 
only of the files of papers and other periodicals, which are there 
received from all parts of the United States, but of the extensive cor- 
respondence which the Society holds with both hemispheres. 


By 1839 it yielded some profit. The next year it was made a 
weekly paper, the circulation rising to 3,100 copies. By 1844 
a strong committee recommended that it be sold to “‘ some in- 
dividual publishing house or company, should an opportunity 
be afforded.” } 

The Depository of the Society took pains to circulate other 
Baptist periodicals as reported in following years. In 1846 
“The Baptist Record’”’ discontinued weekly issue for sub- 


[ 45 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


scribers and became a monthly for gratuitous circulation to 
promote the work of the Society. By 1853 peg thou- 
sand copies were thus issued. 

A kindred series of promotive periodicals was published 
from 1885 to 1909 under various names, “* The Worker ”’ to 
1895, “ The Colporter’”’ to 1899, and “Good Work ” to 1909. 
If one could study carefully files of these promotive sheets he 
would get colorful details for at least one-half of the hundred 
years. 

30. The Young Reaper 


Having followed rapidly the transmutation of the Society’s 
first journal through twenty-five years and kindred promotive 
journals for another quarter of a century, we may stay to note 
only a few other outstanding periodical events of the century. 

In 1831 the Society tried the plan of a monthly issuing of 
tracts to achieve the objects of tract distribution and to save 
postage by obtaining periodical rates. But the plan did not 
work long. 

The first large periodical success was through ‘“‘ The Young 
Reaper,’ a monthly taken over by the incorporation with the 
Society of the “ New England Sabbath School Union”’ in 
1856. It had immediately a circulation of 50,000 copies. By 
1866 it had a circulation of 130,000. It was then made semi- 
monthly. For a full half of our century it was a “ burning 
and shining lamp.”’ 


31. Great Journals 


The Society has made two attempts to serve by means of — 
great periodicals. Its most weighty journalistic undertaking 
was “ The Baptist Quarterly.” It was intended to be a suc- 
cessor of ‘* The Christian Review ” which had for twenty- 
seven years (1836-1863) striven to defend our principles in a 
learned way and especially to educate our own people in the 
best thinking. It was founded by one of the founders of the 
Publication Society (the one who drafted its constitution), 


[ 46 | 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 








Prof. James D. Knowles, who was editor till his death. It 
had as editors from start to finish foremost Baptist leaders, a 
round dozen of them. But it ceased to exist from lack of 
financial support. Its purpose, however, was so worthy that 
after four years the Publication Society, in 1867, undertook 
to supply the need. The new “ Baptist Quarterly ”’ had Pro- 
fessor Lucius E. Smith, of Bucknell University, as editor in 
chief, and Drs. Alvah Hovey, E. G. Robinson, A. N. Arnold, 
and J. M. Gregory as associates. In 1869 President Henry 
G. Weston became editor in chief and remained at the head 
till its discontinuance in 1877. For ten years “ The Baptist 
Quarterly ” rendered noble service. Only two years after its 
cessation another independent attempt was made in “ The 
Baptist Review,” which deceased after thirteen years of living 
“at a poor dying rate.” The most honorable reason assigned 
for repeated failure in this realm is the assertion that “ our 
people have very little of that sectarian exclusiveness which 
would give to Baptist productions even a reasonable prefer- 
ence over the good things produced by others.” But the aim 
of the Society in producing ‘‘ The Baptist Quarterly ” is so 
high that it deserves record as a significant part of the hundred 
years of service: 


For the Baptist denomination, it proposes to do some service by 
adequate statements, and timely discussions of the sentiments which 
prevail among us, whether relating to subjects on which we have a 
well-settled agreement, or to those on which there still exist fraternal 
differences; by stimulating an interest in theological and Biblical 
studies, and gathering up for the common good, the fruits of such 
studies; by supporting the interests of education, and of all literary 
and liberal culture, in the confidence that true science and art are allies 
—not enemies nor rivals—of true religion; doing thus somewhat to 
further the intelligence and spiritual power of the denomination, and 
its efficiency as one of the elements of that general Christian influence, 
which is the salt of the world. 


The attempt of the Society to meet this need in the most 
general way was through the establishment of a weekly de- 


[ 47 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








nominational paper, “The National Baptist.’ This was in 
1865, in the gap between the death of the “ Christian Review ” 
and the birth of the “ Baptist Quarterly.” The first editor of 
the “‘ National Baptist ’’ was Kendall Brooks, D. D., who was 
one of the choicest men of scholarship and fine Christian spirit 
that the denomination has ever had. His able successors were 
Doctor Lemuel Moss and Dr. H. L. Wayland. The Society 
sold the paper to the latter in 1883. 


32. The Milky Way 


The truly superlative periodical ministry of the Society has 
been in its periodicals for the young and its Sunday-school 
helps. They have gradually multiplied as the need arose, until 
the present list of Sunday-school periodical publications shows 
66 in all, with an issue of about 50,000,000 copies per year. 
This diffusion of light is immeasurable, utterly dazing human 
imagination. The issues of the whole century cannot be re- 
corded with fewer than ten figures. The power of periodicals 
carrying the imprint of “ The American Baptist Publication 
Society’ over the young is deep and lasting. The present 
writer’s first literary memory is of writing a letter to Benjamin 
Griffith at 530 Arch Street, Philadelphia, in sending a club of 
subscribers for “The Young Reaper.” The pen letter of that 
great friend of children in reply was the first personal, tangible 
tie with the denomination at large. 


33. Bonds of Unity 


It is surprising how many key-notes for a century of useful- 
ness were sounded at once by the founders of the Society. 
One of them was its ministry in promoting denominational 
unity. In the first Annual Report (1825) the directors make 
the following statement of purpose: 


There is another consideration, which will not be deemed unimpor- 
tant, by any Baptist, who partakes of the spirit of the age. It is de- 
sirable to produce, among the members of the denomination, a closer 


[ 48 ] 


THE BAPTIST 


Cract MWagqgrstiae,. 


No. 1.—Vot. 2.] JANUARY, 1829. [Wuoter No. 19. 








CHRIST AND THE WOMAN OF SAMARIA. 





FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING 


OF THE 


BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY. 


1. Tue Society met, January 7, 1829, at 7 o’clock, in the First 
Baptist Meeting House, Philadelphia. 

2. Br. Elisha Cushman, the President, took the chair, and the 
meeting was opened with prayer by Br. David Jones. 

3. The Annual Report of the Board of Directors was read by Br. 
Noah Davis. On motion of Br. Joseph Maylin, seconded by Br. Ro- 
bert W. Cushman, the report was accepted and ordered to be pub- 
lished. 

Volk. 11. A 


FIRST PAGE OF “THE BAPTIST TRACT MAGAZINE ” 
January, 1829 





PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 








union than has yet subsisted. While they have been united, in faith 
and fellowship, by the bond of peace, supplied by their attachment to 
“One Lord, one faith, and one baptism,” the vast extent of the 
country, and the independent form of our church government, have 
operated to estrange them, as individuals. Differences of opinion, 
too, in reference to various points of Christian obligation and policy, 
have aided to present serious obstacles to all measures of common 
concern. The leading designs, which a portion of the denomination 
are labouring to effect, are regarded by other portions with indiffer- 
ence or disapprobation. 

It becomes, therefore, a matter of great moment, to devise some 
project, which may, as far as possible, kindle the zeal, animate the 
prayers, and prompt the united efforts of the denomination. The 
Directors are convinced that the General Tract Society presents an 
object, which is fitted, more than any other at the present time, to 
produce this desirable unanimity of counsels and exertions. No oppo- 
sition has yet been manifested, and none is apprehended. The dis- 
tribution of tracts is productive of good, so unmixed with present 
evil, and so free from injurious tendencies—it is so simple, and re- 
quires so little expense and trouble, that it cannot excite suspicion, 
and much less provoke hostility. 

It is not an unimportant consideration, moreover, that tracts, widely 
circulated throughout our churches, will not only supply pressing 
wants, but may assist to introduce desirable principles and feelings. 
A large number of individuals will be brought into action, as agents, 
depositaries, and members of auxiliary societies, who may be expected, 
from the natural progress of Christian zeal, to become useful assis- 
tants in the prosecution of kindred objects. 


This purpose was kept steadily in view. A whole page of 
the annual report was given to it in 1834. 


We accordingly feel justified in reiterating the idea already advanced 
of the value of our Society’s influence in rendering us a more united 
people. 


Such statesmanlike hopes had early and continuous realiza- 
tion. Half-way down the years Dr. William Cathcart, in his 
“ Baptist Encyclopedia,” said, 


During the fifty-six years of its existence the Society has proved 
an effective means of promoting the unity of the Baptists of the United 
States in feeling, in doctrinal views, in Scriptural practises, and in the 
promotion of missionary work at homie and abroad. 


[ 49 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








As our denomination developed westward there were times 
and places when this ministry was vital. For example, in the 
northwestern quarter of the country our Sunday-school mis- 
sionary Baker, in his “‘ Baptists of the North Pacific Coast,” 
records that, in the seventies and eighties, 

The work of the Publication Society was an important factor in 
unifying the work, stimulating courage, and helping to supply the need 
of churches and Sunday schools, by having supplies on hand for pur- 
chase or donation, so that no church nor Sunday school should lack 
necessary helps. And the helps themselves being uniform set our 
people to studying the same lessons, singing the same songs, reading 
the same books, and using the same periodicals, and thus exerted a 
silent but untold influence in promoting fellowship and good cheer. 


wherever our people gathered, and was the toboggan on which many 
of the old issues and jealousies slid off into the abyss of oblivion. 


Its ministries to these high ends at the rounding up of the 
century are a hundred times more manifold and potent than 
they were in earlier days. The single factor of uniform lesson 
helps is enough alone to prove that sweeping statement for 
today. 

7 34. Denominational Dimensions 

A first requisite of esprit de corps is for a body to become 
aware of its own dimensions and strength. The man who 
printed the first tracts of the Society and had charge of its first 
depository, John S. Meehan, had previously, for the Board of 
Foreign Missions, published a Baptist Almanac. Here is his 
record. | 

One year before we left Philadelphia (1819) I originated the “ Bap- 
tist Almanac.” This was the first religious almanac ever published, I 
believe. Upwards of 3,000 copies of it (for the year 1820) were 
printed, and they sold very rapidly. The whole edition was sold. 


The second number of it for the year 1821 was in type. It was taken 
with our printing office to Washington, but was not published. 


As soon as practicable the regular issuing of denominational 
statistics began. ‘That beginning by the Society is memorable. 
In the “ Tract Magazine,” January, 1828, is a table of seven 


[ 50 | 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 


pages with nine columns—Name of Association, State, No. 
Churches, Ministers, Baptized, Total, Date of Minutes, Cor- 
respondents, and Times of Meeting. Then follows a page of 
remarks, the first of which might be stereotyped for such tables 
always—‘ The foregoing Table is not so perfect as we could 
‘wish ’’—with an account of the sources. The summary is: 


There have never been greater additions to the churches in any 
one year than in 1827. By the table of 1825 before mentioned (which 
was said to have been below the truth) there were then 191 Associa- 
tions, 3,743 Churches, 2,577 Ministers, 238,100 Members, of whom 
13,057. had been baptized in the previous year. According to the 
present estimate, there has been an increase of 109 Churches, 11,360 
Members, and a decrease of 90 Ministers. But the columns for Minis- 
ters and Baptized are blank in numerous instances, both of which are 
therefore deficient of actual numbers. There are some Associations 
whose names and members are not on the list, because they could 
not be obtained. There are also churches scattered through the 
country, that are not connected with any Association. Besides these, 
‘there are about 632 Churches, 886 Ministers, and 52,722 Members of 
the Six Principle, Free Will, Free Communion, and other Baptists, 
which are not included in the preceding estimate of Associated Cal- 
vinistic Churches. The whole number of Baptists in the United States 
is over 4,400 Churches, 3,300 Ministers, and 300,000 Communicants. 


Any one who is able to see in such statistics not abstract 
digits, but through them multitudes of beating Christian 
hearts, looks on the original frayed, yellow pages almost with 
tears of thankfulness that there was a body which cared 
enough for the brotherhood to go to the incalculable pains to 
get the facts together in those days of slow, costly mails and 
.in many cases still slower interest in “‘ the denomination ” as 
a whole. Much of one of the eight pages is used with appeal 
and directions for helping to get the facts, quite in the vein of 
the last pages of current Year-Books. But listen to the great 
purpose announced so long ago: 

The Board of Directors of the General Tract Society think it desirable, 
if possible, to have an Annual Account of our Denomination, and are 


willing to be at the trouble and expense of preparing and publishing it, if 
our brethren will furnish the materials. 


[ 51 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Only two years later the facts gathered occupy eighteen pages, 
including now a list of ministers. By 1837 two thousand 
five hundred copies were printed. It was definitely determined 
in 1839 to make it a regular yearly publication. The original 
thought of a “ Triennial Register ’’ was completely supplanted 
by that of “an Evangelical Almanac and. Baptist Annual 
Register.” With slight variation of names it so continued 
. till 1868 when it developed into “ The American Baptist Year- 
Book” to continue under that name through the last fifty-six 
years. The report when the Society was only twenty-one 
years old shows the growing scope of this part of its work: 
The Almanac and Baptist Register for 1845, of about 16,000 copies, has 
been continued, and has had an increased circulation. It contains not only 
the statistics of Baptist churches and Associations in a more complete 


form, but a condensed sketch of the statistics of all other religious sects 
in the United States, in a more full and accurate form than ever before 


published. 

By 1853 the “ American Baptist Register with 27 engravings 
of church and college edifices, 496 pages, cloth or sheep, $1.50, 
five copies in cloth, $6.00,” could well be urged as a book 
which every church ought to buy. It then gave the name and 
statistics of every church. As the numbers increased it be- 
came practicable to give the facts only by Associations and 
at last only the States. Such a wide survey with its in- 
numerable details can never be perfect. In 1915 a confer- 
ence of State Secretaries voted, “‘ We believe the Year Book 
as now published is on a scale entirely inadequate to the 
demand of the Northern Baptist Convention.” The Board 
in its next report gave a full page to the question raised, con- 
cluding as follows: 

The task of assembling and issuing the “ Year-Book,” to say nothing 
of the expense, has been enormous. We are now doing the best we can 
do; and if the Northern Baptist Convention desires to appoint a statistical 
secretary, and to assume the responsibility and expense of issuing a year- 
book for its field alone, we shall not only cheerfully withdraw our “ Year- 


Book,” but shall feel grateful to be relieved of the heavy burdens we have 
so long borne. 


[ 52 ] 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 


No one has arisen yet willing to relieve the Society of its pro- 
digious task in getting together the facts year by year and 
showing the denomination its inspiring attainments. <A local 
church and the whole denomination, if. they are to thrive, 
require, as truly as a business firm or stock farm, an annual 
“round up.’”’ What the Society has done in this respect for 
the stimulation of the Baptist Brotherhood is faintly suggested 
by comparison of the summaries on the seven pages of 1828 
with those on the three hundred and twelve pages of 1923: 


In 1825-6 -In1923 


Associations .+..%.. br cig yee ines Sena Gh % Ee Pa 195 2,203 
Whurehessen =e .c: : WL OETOL Salers ote ty LTR, se: 3,770 59,183 
EN GLC Seer eee Us tig Potate ie RAM us © ee 2,417 45,412 
SAD Stlis METER E ee earl eee otis «nthe ent TO,SOOm MEE, FOS | 
IY Se EYE Sy rs ee ad ae 242,998 7,910,450 


That is, in 1827 one Baptist church-member in forty-six of 
the population of the United States; in 1922, one in thirteen. 


35. Distinctive Message 


From first to last the Society has devoted itself mainly to 
those vital matters in which all evangelical Christians are at 
one, but at the same time has struck clearly, ringingly the 
notes which no one else is sounding. But two of the thirty- 
one tracts published before removal to Philadelphia were dis- 
tinctively Baptistic. One of those two was neither on the 
subject nor on the form of baptism but on the “ Practical Uses 
of Baptism.” Nineteen tracts had preceded even that. From 
three to six per cent. was a good beginning. If any one could 
go minutely through the total output of the Society it is doubt- 
ful if he could find more than three per cent. for the whole 
hundred years. But that three per cent. is an exceedingly 
precious contribution to the kingdom of God on earth, a con- 
tribution which, otherwise, it would not have had. In 1924 
the compulsory baptism of infants—as if a ceremony with- 
out personal volition could have religious value—is by actual 


[ 53 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


figures and still more by prevailing sentiment far less preva- 
lent than it was in 1824. The American Baptist Publication 
Society has done more than any other single organization to 
bring about this steady spiritualization of American Protes- 
tantism. 

It has supplied nearly all the handbooks on this intensely 
practical matter. Its first bound volume as we have seen was 
named ‘‘ The Baptist Manual.” It is the part of history to 
get in mind the exact purpose: 


The design of the Board, in the adoption of the foregoing resolution, 
is, to make such a selection from the whole series of our publications, as 
shall give a correct exposition of Baptist principles, and be adapted par- 
ticularly to the wants of the West. .. Among other treatises, the volume 
will contain Pengilly on Baptism, Booth on Close Communion, the History 
of the Burman Mission, Mrs. Wade’s Addresses, and the Duties of Church- 
members to each other and to their Pastors. 


This was in response to a plea from a missionary on the 
frontier, John M. Peck, who a decade later became Secretary 
of the Society. He plead in behalf of 


a numerous class of Baptist professors, including many preachers of 
the gospel. These, though right in the main, are in many particulars defi- 
cient in information of the doctrines, peculiar turns of thought, practices, 
and modes of religious operation of their own denomination in general. 
They need such a volume as might be compiled from your tracts, as a kind 
of Manual—a sort of text-book. I know of nothing that would so much 
tend to produce unity of sentiment and harmony of operation amongst 
ourselves, as the general circulation of such a volume. There is a tendency 
everywhere in the West, amongst almost all classes who are any ways 
religiously inclined, to Baptist sentiments. The deficiency and imperfect 
views, among so many of the Baptists, of the true sentiments of the de- 
nomination; the continual misconception and misrepresentation of other 
religious teachers, with the connection of immersion with schemes of doc- 
trine entirely the reverse of that of sound Baptists—make this numerous 
class hesitate and doubt what are true Baptist principles. 


It will be observed that this is correctly named a “ Manual ” 
and that such a handbook had to meet an urgent practical need 
and also that it contained stimulus for foreign missions as 
well as for New Testament teaching. As finally published the 


[ 54 ] 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 


first article was strictly evangelistic so that this “ Baptist 
Manual ” was primarily for actual Christianizing, the produc- 
tion of earnest, broad-minded efficient followers of Christ, 
and incidentally only for the sake of the group who repudiate 
ceremonial “christening.” | President Basil Manly, of the 
State University of Alabama, wrote, “The Baptist Manual 
as a book of reference and for the purpose of lending to in- 
quirers, should be possessed by every member of the churches.” 
This first handbook went through many editions and may be 
taken as a typical indication of the services of the Society 
throughout the century in shedding Baptist light. The large 
Christianizing purpose stated in the original prospectus with 
a secondary emphasis on denominational messages, has been 
fulfilled. Our great fellowship could not have become what 
it is without this or some similar organism. 

One of the “ small arms ”’ in the Manual deserves particular 
note. It had been issued by itself as tract “ No. 45” (91 pp.) 
copied “ from the 9th London edition.” Its title ran: 

The Scripture Guide to Baptism, cr a faithful citation of all the pas- 
sages of the New Testament which relate to this ordinance, with numerous 


explanatory extracts from eminent writers (not Baptists) ; also an appen- 
dix on the rise and supposed benefits of infant baptism. 


It went through many editions in various languages of both 
the Old and the New: World. It is in our catalog still. 
“More than thirty thousand copies have been sold in this 
country.” Inthe New York Baptist Register it was proposed 
(1838) “to put a copy of Pengilly in every accessible family 
in the United States.”” Two briefer current pamphlets of the 
Society (costing only five cents each), quite in the irenic spirit 
of Pengilly, say all that we need to say, one giving nothing 
but Scripture passages (G. S. Bailey’s “ Bible Reading on 
Baptism”) and the other nothing but statements of Pedo- 
baptist scholars (W. W. Evert’s “ Concise Comments on 
Baptism”). Asa pastor in the twentieth century the present 
writer, thanks to the Publication Society, found these two im- 


[55] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


partial testimonies ample and unanswerable. It may be freely 
admitted, however, that the Society’s pamphlets on open com- 
munion are not in demand so much as they were in 1837 when 
the report of the Board drawn by the President of the Society, 
Dr. Wm. T. Brantly, Pastor of the First Church, Philadel- 
phia, dwelt fervently and at considerable length on the subject 
beginning, 


There is one class of your tracts to which we would ask special atten- 
tion. We mean those in which are stated our reasons for declining com- 
munion at the Lord’s table with our Pedobaptist brethren. 


36. Confessions of Faith 


It is in the realm of handbooks that confessions of faith 
belong. Our Editor, J. Newton Brown, when a pastor in 
Exeter, New Hampshire, had supplied much of the thought 
and the chief hand in formulating what came to be known as 
the New Hampshire Confession of Faith because in one stage 
of its development, after several revisions, it was approved 
by the Board of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention. 
(1833.) Later, in the service of the Publication Society, he 
again revised it (1853) supplying two new articles, one on 
repentance and faith and the other on sanctification. In that 
connection he announced himself as the author of the original 
publication and frankly stated that he was making this one 
“ with such revision as on mature reflection he deems called 
for after the lapse of twenty years.” It would be more accu- 
rate, therefore, to call it the J. Newton Brown Confession of 
Faith. The Society has supplied it in unlimited quantities, 
and it has become the organic statement of a great multitude 
of churches. It is a part of the “ Baptist Church Manual ” 
written by J. Newton Brown and furnished by the Society at 
the present time. 

In this connection stand half a dozen widely used hand- 
books in practical church polity by Rev. E. T. Hiscox, D. D., 
of which the most comprehensive is his ‘“‘ New Directory for 


[ 56 ] 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 


Baptist Churches.”’ It is interesting that eleven different 
books of this kind are now listed by the Society under the 
name “‘ Handbook.”’ or “ Manual,” the name of the Society’s 
first bound volume of tracts. (1834.) These various “ man- 
uals,” though in part about the mechanisms of Christianity, 
have all been for the purpose of insisting and providing that 
nothing be counted as of ultimate value except personal rela- 
tionship to God in Christ. As surely as that is the focal point 
of religion The American Baptist Publication Society has been 
clearly shining for one hundred years. 


37. Historical Department 


As Christianity is rooted, not in speculations, but in actual 
events which have taken place on the earth, its growing power 
is dependent on a knowledge of Christian history. From 
Jesus to Hubmaier, Carey, Judson, and Rauschenbusch the 
throb of a new life has been mediated by living personalities. 
Many of the Society’s earliest tracts and books were of a 
strictly historical nature. It is difficult to refrain from quot- 
ing many titles in the current catalog both of noble volumes 
and stirring pamphlets on Christian history. In these the 
history of Christian missions must take a high place. In the 
first quarter of the nineteenth century it was the work of 
Adoniram Judson, Ann Hasseltine Judson, and Luther Rice 
which created the General Convention of Baptists in the 
United States and not the General Convention which created 
the work. It is the inspirations of history which sustain the 
Northern Baptist Convention in the first quarter of the 
twentieth century. In this chapter we are dealing with the 
services of the Society in making and molding the denomina- 
tion. Hence it is here rather than in the chapter on Books 
that we should think of the Society’s works on history. 

Before the middle of our hundred years the Society took 
measures to give special emphasis to this phase of its duties 
as a Publication Society. It was during the brief administra- 


[97] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








tion of Heman Lincoln (afterwards Professor of Church His- 
tory at Newton) that the annual report of the Board said: 


The Board would also suggest the importance of organizing a historical 
department, for the special purpose of collecting and preserving all docu- 
ments elucidating our denominational history, and for publishing such 
papers and volumes as may shed light upon the rise and growth of Baptist 
churches, and the progress of Baptist principles throughout the Union. 
A society having these ends in view, has been recently formed in New 
England, and others will doubtless be formed in other sections of the 
Union. The Publication Society, from its central location, combined with 
the advantages of a permanent building and a denominational library 
already comprehensive and valuable, affords peculiar facilities for a cen- 
tral organization, with which all the other Societies may become cooperative. 

One of the ultimate aims of such an organization should be to secure 
a complete and reliable history of the denomination from the days of the 
apostles. The history of the Christian church is yet to be written, and 
manuscripts of inestimable worth are gathered in the great libraries of 
Europe, which our venerable antiquarians have never yet disturbed. The 
recent publication of the works of Hippolytus, by Professor Bunsen, ad- 
mitted by some eminent Pedobaptist writers to settle the fact that Infant 
Baptism was unknown in the early churches; and the singular volume of 
Mr. Shepard, a clergyman of the Church of England, which attempts to 
prove that those writings purporting to have come from Cyprian, which 
are the chief historical buttresses of Infant Baptism and Prelacy, are the 
inventions of a later age, indicate with sufficient clearness the rich veins of 
historical lore reserved for future laborers. 


It was Dr. J. M. Peck, formerly Secretary of the Society, 
who moved that a special meeting of the Society be held to 
organize a “ Historical Department.” The minutes of that 
meeting belong here: 


At the appointed hour, the President took his seat, and prayer was 
offered by the Rev. Dr. Belcher. The business of the evening was an- 
nounced by the President to be the formation of a National Historical 
Society. The Committee (H. G. Jones, Jr., Esq., Rev. John M. Peck, D. D., ° 
and Rev. Heman Lincoln) appointed to devise a plan of action, reported 
through their chairman, Mr. Jones, who stated, that while the Historical 
Department was designed to be under the control of the Publication So- 
ciety, and only to be regarded as part and parcel of that body, yet the 
Committee thought its objects would be best accomplished if there were 


a separate organization, and accordingly they reported the following 
constitution : 


[ 98 ] 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 


To The American Baptist Publication Soctety: 


The Committee appointed to devise a plan for the organization of a His- 
torical Department respectfully report: That they have had the subject 
under consideration, and instead of a mere Historical Committee, they 
would suggest the propriety of giving to the Department a separate per- 
manent form, but at the same time think that the officers should be ap- 
pointed by your body. With these objects in view they respectfully offer 
the subjoined Preamble and Constitution: 


WHEREAS, It is a matter of grave and serious importance, that a 
Central Depository should be established for the use of the Baptist Denomi- 
nation of North America, to contain all such books, pamphlets, periodicals, 
statistical papers and manuscripts, as pertain to the history of the churches 
and other societies; the biographies of individuals and all kinds of docu- 
ments that relate to ecclesiastical history: and 

WHEREAS, It is desirable’ from time to time, to oublist such anti- 
quarian papers and documents as may elucidate our early history, the 
progress of our denominational principles, and the contests of truth with 
error: 

Therefore, The American Baptist Publication Society do hereby organize 
and establish a Historical Department, under the following constitution. 


Not only was the proposed constitution adopted, but stir- 
ring addresses were made as to the importance of this under- 
taking. From this date, 1853, it lived ten years as a “ De- 
partment ” of the Society. Rev. J. Newton Brown, the first 
Book Editor, was engaged with special reference to his doing 
historical work. In 1855 he could report that circumstances 
had 
enabled the Editor to prepare the Baptist Almanac for 1856; to collect 
and examine a large number of volumes bearing on the Church History; 
to extend his preparatory reading and plans in all directions, and to bring 
up the “ Historical Document or Annals of The American Baptist Publi- 
cation Society” from 1840 to 1855, according to the wishes of the Board. 
Having closed up his assigned work in this Department, he will be able 
from this time, if God permit, to devote himself without reserve or dis- 
traction of thought, to the great Historical Composition to which the ~ 


Society has called him—the condition prescribed by the Board being 
fulfilled. 


His great “ Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge” had long 
been a standard work of wide-reaching influence. 


[ 59 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








38. Historical Society 


In 1863 the annual report says: 


At the last meeting of the Board, the following resolution was passed 
respecting the Historical Department : 


WHEREAS, The President and Curators of the Baptist Historical So- 
ciety have presented to the Board a request to be allowed to elect their 
own officers, and to perform all the functions of an independent Society, 
therefore, 

Resolved, That this Board recommend the Society at its next Annual 
Meeting to invest the Historical Society with power to elect its own Board 
of Curators and Officers. Provided, That the proposed charter meanwhile 
be so amended, that in case the Historical Society should ever become 
extinct, its entire property shall pass under the control of this Society; 
and that the Chairman and the Recording Secretary of the Board, and the 
Corresponding Secretary of The American Baptist Publication Society be 
made ex-officio members of the Board of the Historical Society. 


For the last seventy-one years the Society and its direct 
offspring, [he American Baptist Historical Society, have been 
conserving invaluable history. 

The library of The American Baptist Historical Society con- 
tained in 1923 about 7,000 bound volumes, probably more 
than 35,000 unbound pamphlets and odd periodicals, and a 
considerable number of unpublished manuscripts. It has com- 
plete or partial files of most of the Baptist periodicals which 
have been published in the United States and Canada, nearly 
all sets being complete since about 1900. In the administra- 
tion of the library special attention is given to the indexing of 
exceptional articles in periodicals, especially obituary or other 
biographical sketches. This was begun in current publications 
in 1913. larlier articles have been thus indexed to some 
-extent as special occasion has indicated. An index of all 
special names, names of churches, names of associations, and 
of other important items in “ A General History of the Baptist 
Denomination in America and Other Parts of the World,” by 
David Benedict, is being made on cards so as to provide im- 
mediate access to this treasury of Baptist historical items. 


[ 60 ] 


PERIODICALS, HANDBOOKS, AND HISTORY 


The Society possesses a considerable collection of photographs 
and early manuscript letters, all indexed for easy access. At 
various of the annual meetings of the Society valuable papers, 
most of them on historical subjects, have been presented. 
The library has been exceedingly helpful in preparing the 
present history. But the necessity of visiting half a dozen 
scattered places in order to consult thirteen other great 
libraries, emphasizes the need of having one strong central 
repository of denominational history such as the Publication 
Society has sought to bring into being and foster in The 
American Baptist Historical Society. At the end of the hun- 
dred years this vital offspring of the Society cries aloud for 


all books that have been written by American Baptists. All books about 
Baptists, whether for or against them. Minutes of Baptist associations 
and reports of Baptist societies and gatherings. Historical sketches of 
Baptist churches, ministers, or members. Photographs, likenesses, or 
pictures of church, college, school, and other buildings, and of prominent 
members of the denomination. Manuscript sermons, addresses, and lectures 
which have not been published, but will be of value in this library either 
for reference or for publication by the Society. Autograph letters and 
autographs. Baptist periodicals wherever published. Any thing historic 
or otherwise which relates to the denomination—and for endowment. 


IV 
LEE y BOOK OPIBOOKs 


This popular designation fits both because it is the supreme 
book and because it is a binding together of many books. Its 
issue is the fundamental business of a Baptist Publication 
Society. It is the lamp-stand from which “the Light of the 
world”’ shines. Baptists, having no other authority, exalt 
Him. Being rooted and grounded in a literature which tells 
of him, literary publication is more essential with us than with 
others. In the first annual report of the Board of the General 
Tract Society reference is made to “ Bible effort’ as one of 
‘the leading designs ”’ which the progressive members of “ the 
denomination are laboring to effect.” 


39. Creators of the Great Bible Societies 


“The British and Foreign Bible Society ” (formed March 
7, 1804) was begotten by Baptists. In 1794 William Carey 
had begun in India the translation of the Bible into Bengali. 
In two years the New Testament was completed. Carey's 
colleague, William Ward, “the finished printer,’ issued it 
from the Serampore mission press in 1801. England was 
deeply stirred by this and kindred events’ of the mission in 
India. A secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society 
afterward, Doctor Girdlestone, says, “ Bible circulation in 
India owes its origin mainly to the zeal of the Serampore mis- 
sionaries, whose labors had begun shortly before the Bible 
society was formed.” Money poured into the Serampore 
press from England. ‘The divine impulse became organic in 
the British and Foreign Bible Society. 

The man in England who spoke the word which precipi- 
tated organization also was a Baptist, Rev. Joseph Hughes, 


[ 62 | 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 





pastor at Battersea, a suburb of London. He went to a meet- 
ing of the Religious Tract Society and said: “ Surely a society 
might be formed for the purpose; and if for Wales, why not 
for the empire and the world?” Let the rest of that story 
be told in the words of Dr. C. C. Bitting’s “ Bible Societies 
and the Baptists’: 


The proposal was warmly greeted and, at the request of all present, 
Mr. Hughes drew up his plea of thirty pages entitled, “The Excellence of 
the Holy Scriptures an Argument for their more General Dispersion.” 
Two editions of this tract were circulated in 1803, and on March 7, 1804, 
at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate Street, London, the British and Foreign 
Bible Society was formed, with Joseph Hughes as chief of its three secre- 
taries and “the hands and feet as he had been the head of the institution.” 


So it was that Hughes, at the “ British’ end and Carey at 
the “ Foreign” end swung above the horizon the first and 
foremost of the world’s great Bible societies. Ten or more 
denominations rallied at once to this new world-standard of 
philanthropy. 

Seventeen years only after the organization of the Society 
its annual report shows that the Baptist missionaries in India 


had put the Bible or portions of it into thirty-one languages 
of India. 


An interesting communication has recently been received by your man- 
agers from those excellent men who are engaged in translating and pub- . 
lishing the Holy Scriptures at Serampore. Twenty-six years have now 
elapsed since they commenced their work of translating the Scriptures 
into the languages of India. They have now published the whole Bible in 
five of these languages; the New Testament and some parts of the Old 
Testament in ten more; in six more the New Testament is brought more 
than half through the press; and in ten more some one of the Gospels is 
printed; and in several, all four of the Gospels. 


By 1842 these Baptist missionaries had printed 529,570 Bibles 
or parts in forty-four languages and dialects. One of the 
early translations was into Chinese by Marshman, Carey’s 
colleague. It was the first Chinese book ever printed with 
movable metallic type and the first whole Bible in the Chinese 


[ 63 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








language (1822), so that the Scriptures were opened to many 
millions of China in addition to the peoples of teeming India. 

The American Bible Society (formed May 11, 1816) was 
spiritually the offspring of the British, at once receiving from 
it financial as well as moral backing. Baptists were active in 
the organization and generous in the support of the American 
Society. In the first twenty years of its history they con- 
tributed to it more than one hundred and seventy thousand 
dollars. 


40. Protest against Narrowness 


The British Society had formally begged the privilege of 
handling the great sums which Baptists in England were rais- 
ing for Carey’s translation and publication of Scriptures, and 
promised to make large appropriations to that work, which 
it did. The American Society, likewise, made appropriations 
for Judson’s Burmese Bible. All its appropriations for our 
missions aggregated about one-third as much as it had received 
from a single Baptist donor, Mr. John F. Marsh. But in the 
middle thirties, both in England and in the United States, a 
pinch of Pedobaptist narrowness cut off all appropriations 
for new translations which translated instead of transferring 
‘ into the tongues of India the Greek word baptize. No ques- 
tion was raised as to the scholarly character and correctness 
of the work of Carey and Judson. The two Bible Societies 
were circulating in various European and Asiatic languages 
translations which rendered the word by words meaning im- 
mersion, but Carey and Judson practised the word as well as 
said it. Bigoted constituents of the Bible societies demanded 
that such doings be not sanctioned by their money. Hence 
Baptists in both countries were compelled through purely sec- 
tarian exclusion by others to establish their own Bible 
Societies. 

Our Publication Society from the start had promoted the 
circulation of the Scriptures, but it was in 1836 that its great 


[ 64 ] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 








work of this kind began in the organization of what was after- 
ward incorporated with it, the ** American and Foreign Bible 
Society.” Hence the story of the latter is an essential part 
of our century. Lhe Bible work, the great characteristic 
publication work of Baptists, has no other organization to 
keep its memory green as an inspiration for coming centuries. 
Accordingly, a large part of the Baptist declaration is here 


oe 


given: 


PROTEST OF THE BAptist MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE 
AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY 


The Board of Managers of the American. Bible Society, on the seven- 
teenth of February, 1836, passed the following resolution: ‘“ Resolved, 
That in appropriating money for the translating, printing, or distributing 
of the Sacred Scriptures in foreign languages, the managers feel at liberty 
to encourage only such versions as conform, in the principle of their trans- 
lation, to the common English version; at least so far as that all the 
religious denominations represented in this Society can consistently use 
and circulate said versions in their several schools and communities.” 

The undersigned, members of the said Board, and voting in the minority, 
request that the following may be recorded as their solemn “ Protest” 
against the proceedings of the majority: of the Board in the adoption of 
that resolution. Believing that the Baptist denomination, as a constituent 
member of the Society, and upon the principle of a fair copartnership, to 
which it has brought its full share of capital and of labor, is entitled to 
a portion of the appropriations made for distributing the Bible at home 
and abroad; and that the adoption by the Board, of any rule of action not 
recognized in the Constitution, and tending to exclude the said denomi- 
nation from these advantages, is a violation of the constitutional compact, 
a virtual dissolution of the original firm, and on principles of both law 
and equity would oblige the American Bible Society to refund a proper 
share of the capital now in their possession. Therefore, the undersigned, 
members as aforesaid of the Board of Managers, do hereby protest against 
the principle and bearing of the said resolution, and in vindication of their 
conduct, assign the following reasons: 

Because, though all the denominations represented in the American Bible 
Society agreed in the use of the English version, they did not agree to 
adopt it as the standard for translations into other languages. 
~ Because the first Article of the Constitution, which states that “the 
only copies in the English language to be circulated by the Society shall 
be of the version now in common use,” impliedly disavows the idea of 
considering that version as the standard in other languages. 


[ 65 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Because the framers of the Constitution, in their address to the people 
of the United States, having declared the great object of the Society to 
be the dissemination of the Scriptures “in the received versions wheré they 
exist, and in the most faithful where they may be required,’ in the work 
of foreign distribution, they evidently contemplated a very different rule 
from that adopted recently by the Board of Managers. 

Because the translations made by the Baptist missionaries into the 
languages of different nations, and against which this resolution is es- 
pecially directed, are in all instances correctly made; and are, therefore, 
not only the most faithful, but in some instances, the only versions in those 
languages. 

Because the said resolution implies, that the versions made by Baptist 
missionaries are of a denominational or sectarian cast, and such as Baptists 
only could consistently use; whereas, it is well known that all the impor- 
tant ancient Oriental versions, and many of the most valuable modern 
ones, render baptizo in the same manner, and that, exclusive of those made 
by the Baptist missionaries, the versions of more than one-half of Protes- 
tant Christendom, at the present day, are of a precisely similar character. 
Among these are the Syriac, the oldest existing translation from the 
original Greek, the Armenian, Georgian, Coptic, Sahidic, Arabic, Ethiopie, 
Amharic, Gothic, German, Dutch, Danish, Swedish and others. 

Because the resolution is partial and unequal in its practical bearing. It 
requires that the versions circulated by the Society shall be conformed, in 
the principle of their translation, to the common English version, and yet 
provides for the circulation of versions not conformed to the standard, in 
case that all the denominations represented in the Society can consistently 
use them, and of this consistency the several denominations will be, of 
course, their own interpreters. If, therefore, the Pedobaptists think they 
can consistently use the German, Dutch, and other similar versions there 
will remain no impediment to their distribution. The Board, then, are 
empowered by the resolution, to discard every translation made by the 
Baptists, while, on the strength of the provisionary clause, they may 
continue to patronize as many others, of a precisely similar character, as 
either necessity or interest may prompt them to circulate. 

Nor is this argument affected by the fact that Baptists use the common 
version. Our circumstances and those of the heathen are essentially dif- 
ferent. They are not philologists, we are; they have not the Greek and 
Hebrew commentaries and lexicographers to refer to, we have; and if 
some in our language make baptizo mean to sprinkle, to pour, or to christen, 
we define it to immerse, and our definition, among the learned and un- 
learned, the bond and the free, extensively prevails. 

Because the resolution not only bears an unkind aspect toward a denomi- 
nation who, with commendable zeal, have already translated the Scriptures 
into the living languages of more than one-half of the entire population 
of the globe, but it is in fact, a virtual repeal of the noble resolutions of 


[ 66 ] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 








May, 1834, which contemplate giving to all the destitute families of the 
earth, within the shortest practicable period, the unadulterated word of 
God. For if the labors of the Baptist denomination are to be discarded, 
we hesitate not to say, that this benevolent design cannot be accomplished 
within the shortest practicable period; nay, more, it can never be accom- 
plished at all. 

Because the consentaneous action of the two most powerful Bible institu- 
tions in existence, in reference to the subject of affording aid to versions 
of the Scriptures made by Baptist missionaries, constrain us to regard this 
resolution as tending to blot out of every Bible in the world the testimony 
of the Holy Spirit in relation to a distinguishing ordinance of Christianity 
and the first duty of a believer. 

Because a measure which withholds from the heathen the word of life 
and suffers them to hasten to the retributions of eternity without the 
knowledge of God and the way of salvation, simply because the volume it 
is proposed to give contains the translation of a single term to which only 
Pedobaptists object, but which, by the admission af all, cannot lead to any 
fundamental error nor to a single invalid administration of a Christian 
ordinance, is obviously inconsistent with the benevolent character of the 
American Bible Society, and with the spirit of Christianity. 

The undersigned would conclude this, their protest, with a single-hearted 
prayer to the great Author of the Bible, who best knows how to guard 
and extend his own truth, that we may all be guided by him in the further 
progress of this most responsible and momentous affair. 


SPENCER H. CONE, 
ARCHIBALD MActay, 
JONATHAN GOING, 
CHARLES G. SOMERS, 
WILLIAM JUDD, 
CHARLES C. P. Crossy, 
Wan. WINTERTON, 
Ocravius WINSLow, 
LUKE Baker, M. D., 
SAMUEL BARNARD, 
WILLIAM COLGATE. 


41. American and Foreign Bible Society 


The protest was unheeded and the day after the American 
Bible Society finally voted utterly rejecting it, the American 
and Foreign Bible Society was organized (May 12, 1836) in 
the Oliver Street Baptist Church, New York, of which Spencer 
~Cone was pastor. A year later this action was ratified by 


[ 67 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


a special convention of which Rev. James D. Knowles (who 
had drafted the first Constitution of the Publication Society ) 
said, ‘ It was, we believe, the largest and most intelligent as- 
semblage of Baptist ministers and laymen which has ever been 
held.” 

At the second annual meeting of this American and Foreign 
Bible Society President Cone reported that it was promoting 
the circulation of the Scriptures in twenty-six languages, and 
Treasurer Colgate reported the Society’s receipts for the year 
as $43,823.80. 

That report contains two items showing incidentally the 
close relationship of our Publication Society and our Bible 
Society. I. M. Allen, General Agent of the Publication So- 
ciety, wrote to an auxiliary of the Bible Society a warm letter 
of appreciation of its work. Afterward he was for eight 
years the agent of the Bible Society. This year, too, the 
American and Foreign Bible Society having given 1,000 Testa- 
ments to the New England Sabbath School. Union, which 
afterward merged in the Publication Society, published a 
letter of thanks from the hand of H. S. Washburn, the founder 
Obits iY ounesheaper 

Repeated endeavors have been made to get the American 
Bible Society to withdraw from the position which made it a 
distinctively Pedobaptist institution. For example, in 1879 
it was thought to be accomplished and the recovery of the 
Society to catholicity was enthusiastically announced over the 
signatures of the twelve most unmistakably representative 
names in the Baptist denomination of that day: M. B. Ander- 
son, Edward Bright, John A. Broadus, Wm. A. Cauldwell, S. 
5. Cutting, Alvah Hovey, Jas. M. Hoyt, Edward Lathrop, 
J. N. Murdock, Henry G. Weston, J. L. M. Curry, G. W. 
Northrup. However, the Board of the American Bible So- 
ciety very soon again refused to aid in the printing of Judson’s 
Burmese New Testament, and the noble signers just men- 
tioned were painfully compelled to retract their announce- 


[ 68 ] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 








ment, which they decisively did. In 1893 the American Bible 
Society published a translation in a European tongue which 
makes ‘“‘ the Great Commission ’”’ say “ make disciples by bap- 
tizing them.” ‘This falsification of the original to sustain 
baptismal regeneration, showed that the Society, out of defer- 
ence to its sacramentarian friends, instead of being interde- 
nominational was still a strictly Pedobaptist organization. 

For forty-seven years the American and Foreign Bible So- 
ciety did its work before finally merging in the Publication 
Society, although repeated attempts at union were made and 
almost unanimously adopted by both societies. Through that 
Society we aided with large appropriations the Bible work in 
Asia and in the United States. Before 1880 the American 
and Foreign Bible Society had disbursed over one million and 
a quarter dollars ($1,294,898.27 ). 


42. The American Bible Union 


Another great development in our publishing the Book of 
books was through The American Bible Union (formed in 
1850). That was an offshoot of the American and Foreign 
Bible Society and remerged with it before the latter finally 
merged in the Publication Society. It involves one of the 
most important contributions ever made by any body of Chris- 
tians to the world’s Bible history. 

From the beginning of discussion as to publishing the cor- 
rect translation of Carey and Judson in India, many of our 
denominational leaders believed that loyalty to the original 
Word, as well as mere consistency, required that we should 
have a correct translation in the English language as well as 
in the languages of India and the rest of the world. They 
agreed, however, to leave that question unsettled temporarily 
and joined heartily in the work of the American and Foreign 
Bible Society with the more conventionally minded who de- 
manded an exact translation in Burma, but clung to the so- 
called King James version in English. They, however, kept 


[ 69 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








the question alive by constant insistence that a revised version 
of the English Bible was greatly needed on many accounts. 
After fourteen years of fraternal discussion and waiting, the 
American and Foreign Bible Society took decisive action 
against revision of the English Bible. It was no longer an 
open question in that society. The devoted friends of a re- 
vised version of the English Bible were compelled to organize 
a society for the promotion of correct translation in all lan- 
guages. In the light of the fact that after some years the 
whole English-speaking world came to the conclusion that 
we must have a revision of the English Bible, and set about 
getting it, this pioneering of light by our American Bible 
Union is perhaps the most intense focal point in the whole 
century which we ‘are studying. It occurred twenty years 
before the Convocation of Canterbury (1870), at which the 
Church of England leaders decided to undertake a revision. 
Among the foremost Baptists on the Board of the American 
Bible Society in 1836, each arguing at length against its sec- 
tarian action, were Spencer H. Cone, a Corresponding Secre- 
tary of that Society, the prominent pastor in New York, and 
William Colgate, the preeminent laymen of New York. Doc- 
tor Cone became President of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society and Mr. Colgate its treasurer. When, after fourteen 
years of patient effort, they finally failed to win the American 
and Foreign Bible Society to their steady ideal of a revised 
English version, they both withdrew in a dignified and 
fraternal spirit along with a number of others. Let one of 
these, Dr. Thomas Armitage, afterward distinguished as pas- 
tor of the Fifth Avenue Church, tell what happened next: 


I was invited by note to attend a meeting (May 27, 1850) at No. 128 
Chambers Street (the home of Mr. Colgate), called for the purpose of 
consultation among a few friends of the Bible as to present duty. The 
day arrived, and in a drenching rain, from different points in these three 
cities, they came to the place of meeting. (About 20 men.) I never 
went to a meeting in my life with a heavier heart. The moment one took 
the hand of another a quivering lip asked, “ What does God require?” 


[ 70 ] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 








Deacon Colgate, as the eldest in the company, was called upon to address 
the throne of grace. We kneeled down. Sir, if I were in that parlor 
I could point you to the very spot on which I bowed. All were silent. 
The venerable man of God was too much overcome even to lead in devo- 
tion, but his emotion found vent in sobs and téars. And there, sir, the 
whole company knelt, weeping, for several minutes, in solemn silence 
before God, save as now and then some struggling sigh was heard. When 
he was able to offer vocal prayer he asked God to direct us aright; if it 
were our duty to form another society, to give us a clear sense of duty and 
to open our way; but if not, to permit confusion (hesitatingly) and to 
throw a hedge about us on every side, that the word of God might be 
magnified by this new trial. Few such prayer-meetings have occurred on 
earth. It was worthy to be compared with that of the few students behind 
the haystack near Williamstown consecrating themselves to foreign mis- 
sions and forming resolutions that inaugurated missions to the heathen. 


They met again four days later. The following action was 
taken : 


WHEREAS, The mind and will of God as conveyed in the inspired 
originals of the Old and New Testament, are the only infallible standard 
of faith and practise; and therefore, it is of unspeakable importance that 
the Sacred Scriptures should be faithfully and accurately translated into 
every living language; and 

WHEREAS, A Bible Society is bound by imperative duty, to employ 
all the means in its power to insure that the books which it circulates as 
the revealed will of God to man should be as free from’ error and obscurity 
as possible; and 

WHEREAS, There is not now any general Bible society in this country 
which has not more or less restricted itself by its own enactments from the 
discharge of this duty, therefore 

Resolved, That it is our duty to form a voluntary association for the 
purpose. of procuring and circulating the most faithful versions of the 
Sacred Scriptures in all languages ; 

Resolved, That in such an association we will welcome all persons to 
cooperate with us who embrace the principle upon which we purpose to 
organize, without regard to their denominational positions in other respects. 


Within two weeks a public meeting was held in the Taber- 
nacle, Mulberry Street, at which The American Bible Union 
was organized. Says the constitution, “Its object shall be 
to procure and circulate the most faithful versions of the 
Sacred Scriptures in all languages throughout the world.” 


[71] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Two of the new Society’s rules for translating are given be- 
low. Note how carefully, completely conservative they were 
as to alterations in venerated phraseology. At the same time, 
compare them with the rules of the Canterbury revisers twenty 
years later and see how these Baptists pioneered not only in 
time, but also in scholarly thoroughness—tenderly reverent 
of the past but not tradition-bound. 


1. The exact meaning of the inspired text, as that text expressed it to 
those who understood the original Scriptures at the time they were 
first written, must be translated by corresponding words and phrases, so 
far as they can be found in the vernacular tongue of those for whom the 
version is designed, with the least possible obscurity or indefiniteness. 

2. Whenever there is a version in common use it shall be made the basis 
of revision, and all unnecessary interference with the established phrase- 
ology shall be avoided, and only such alteration shall be made as the exact 
meaning of the inspired text and the existing state of the language may 
require. 


It was the first organized attempt at revision after 1611. 
Many rallied to this new program. Mr. Colgate always in- 
sisted that he was pleading as one of the plain people for a 
rendering which the plain people could not misunderstand. 
The writer remembers how the renderings issued by the Bible 
Union were welcomed and cherished when he was a lad in a 
hamlet of farmers in Ohio. 

More than one million dollars flowed into the treasury of 
this pioneering Society. It engaged the most eminent Greek 
and Hebrew scholars of the time. They were of nine differ- 
ent denominations. Some were European scholars. The or- 
ganization was on an explicitly non-denominational basis. 


The book of Job was published in 1856. The New Testament was com- 
pleted in 1865; Genesis, in 1868; Psalms, in 1869; Proverbs, in 1871; Joshua, 
Judges, and Ruth, in January, 1878; Isaiah, in 1879; Samuel, Kings, and 
Chronicles were completed in manuscript and the entire Scriptures nearly 
finished. The Society published revised versions of the New Testament, 
complete, in Chinese written character, in Ningpo colloquial, in Siamese, 
and in Sgau Karen. It had ready for publication translations or revisions 
of the Pwo Karen, Shanghai colloquial, and the Maya. 


[72 ] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 


All this was done in less than a quarter of a century. In its 
annual report of 1875 the Society said: 


The Union has printed several millions of tracts bearing upon the sub- 
ject of Scripture translation, revision, and circulation. It has excited and 
stimulated inquiry, both in Great Britain and in this country, regarding the 
necessity of correcting the errors of the common version ... and done 
more than all other agencies to educate the Christian world in the obliga- 
tions which bind them to give to others, as God has given to them, his 
revealed truth in its purity. The Canterbury movement is only one of the 
consequences. The translations of the Bible Union influence for good 
every translation of the Sacred Scriptures that is being made by Protes- 
tants in Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. 


Its great pioneering of light for the world having been 
accomplished, steps were taken by which it remerged in the 
American and Foreign Bible Society out of which it had 
sprung. This was substantially accomplished by 1881. 


43. Consolidation 


For some years there was a steadily growing conviction that 
our efforts in Bible translation and distribution ought to be 
unified. Various formal endeavors to that end were made, 
including the reunion of the American and Foreign Bible 
Society and The American Bible Union. Elaborate negotia- 
tions for union of the American and Foreign Bible Society and 
The American Baptist Publication Society are recorded in 
the Board’s report of 1866, and a vote of the Society ‘“ That 
we regret the failure of this second attempt at union.” An- 
other attempt, however, was made and went so far that in 
1870 the name was changed to Bible and Publication Society. 
But the merger having failed again the name had to be 
changed back in 1873. In 1880 a conference was held in 
New York City of the American Baptist Missionary Union, 
The American Baptist Publication Society, The American 
Bible Union, and the American and Foreign Bible Society. 
The pulse of the Publication Society in Bible work was greatly 
quickened by all this agitation in which it took a leading part. 


[73 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


By 1882 its annual report showed that Bible work is inherent 
in the very nature of the Society’s functions in colportage and 
Sunday-school promotion; that the Society has facilities in 
these agencies, its depositories, and its general organization 
for doing Bible work with scarcely any additional cost in over- 
head expenses, that it was distributing not only thousands of 
copies: of the common version, but had also issued an edition 
of the new Canterbury revision with the American Com- 
mittee’s preferred readings incorporated in the text, that it 
had offered to take and was ready to take the plates of the 
Bible Union Translations and publish and distribute all for 
which they could get funds. By vote of the Society a large 
joint committee of all the denominational bodies was created 
to call a convention to deliberate on the whole Bible business 
of the churches. That Convention was convened at Sara- 
toga, N. Y., May 22, 23, 1883. Four hundred and fifty-one 
delegates assembled, representing twenty-seven States and 
Territories, five societies, and certain other committees and 
groups concerned. ‘This most widely representative Conven- 
tion unanimously adopted the following: 

WHEREAS, In the year 1833, the Baptists of America resolved to give 
to the heathen the pure word of God in their own languages, and to fur- 
nish their missionaries with all the means in their power to make their 


translations as exact a representation of the mind of the Holy Spirit as 
may be possible; and 

WHEREAS, Their missionary translators were instructed to endeavor 
by earnest prayer and diligent study to ascertain the exact meaning of the 
original text, and to express that meaning as exactly as the nature of the 
language into which they translate the Bible will permit; therefore, 


Resolved, 1. That this convention earnestly reaffirms these positions as 
sound and obligatory. 


Resolved, 2. That, as these principles are divine, it is the duty of Ameri- 
can Baptists to circulate versions made upon these principles in all lan- 
guages, as far as such versions can be secured. 

Resolved, 3. That, as there are differences of opinion in our denomination, 
touching the several versions now existing in English, on the score of 
fidelity, it is the right of every Baptist to use that version which best 
commends its faithfulness to his conscience in the sight of God. 


[74] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 








Resolved, 4. While in the judgment of the convention the work of re- 
vision is not yet completed, whatever organization or organizations shall 
be designated as the most desirable for the prosecution of home Bible 
work of American Baptists should circulate now the commonly received 
version, the new Revised version, with the corrections of American revisers 
incorporated in the text, and the translation of The American Bible Union, 
according to demand; and that all moneys specifically designated for circu- 
lation of either of these versions should be faithfully appropriated in 
keeping with the wish of the donor. 


Resolved, 5. That in the judgment of this convention, the Bible work of 
Baptists should be done by our existing societies, the foreign work by the 
American Baptist Missionary Union, and the home work by The Ameri- 
can Baptist Publication Society. 


Resolved, 6. That in our judgment, the Missionary Union should more 
fully recognize the necessity of accurate translation and wide distribution 
of the word of God in foreign lands; that the duty of providing means 
for this work should be more distinctly and effectually urged by the Union 
upon the churches; and that the Union should employ whatever additional 
agencies may be required to secure this result. 


Resolved, 7. That the Publication Society should maintain a new depart- 
ment, to be designated as the Bible Department, and that this department 
should be charged with the duty of collecting and expending funds for 
home Bible work; and that a special secretary, of equal authority with the 
missionary secretary, should be appointed to take the supervision of the 
department. 


Resolved, 8. That, as a guarantee that all the chief views current in our 
denomination shall be represented in the conduct of our home Bible work, 
as a provision for a settlement of the questions which have arisen with re- 
gard to the administration of that work, the American and Foreign Bible 
Society be requested to name three persons to be voted for as managers of 
the Publication Society; and that upon the election of these persons as 
such managers, the American and Foreign Bible Society be requested, in 
the interest of Baptist unity, to dissolve and thenceforth cease to exist as 
a separate organization. 


Resolved, 9. That, the Publication Society should maintain such intimate 
and close relations with The American Baptist Home Mission Society in 
the prosecution of Bible work, that the very large missionary force of the 
latter Society among people of many languages and on the frontiers of our 
country may be effectively employed in the practical work of Bible 
distribution. 


The present writer, then a young pastor, at the end of the 
Convention meeting, said to a revered teacher, ‘Is it not 
glorious to have this long mooted question finally settled?” 


[75 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








He replied: ‘* Yes, indeed. And this is the third time that | 
have helped to settle it finally!’ It may safely be added forty 
years later, that this was a case of “ three times and out,” for 
it has remained settled. It is now a firmly established policy 
and unquestioned that The American Baptist Publication So- 
ciety is the Bible Society of the denomination. 


44. Activity 


It has gone forward doing the work assigned to it. In the 
very next year, 1884, the Society distributed 136,358 Bibles, 
Testaments, and parts of Scriptures, including the common 
version of 1611, the Anglo-American version of 1881, Bible 
Union versions, and versions in Spanish, Swedish, German, 
Danish, French, Chinese, Welsh, Polish, Hebrew, Greek, and 
Italian. Hungarian, Bohemian, Russian, Slovak, and Naga 
have since been added. Doctor Rowland said, 


During the last five years, ending April 1, 1885, the Society has given 
over three hundred and thirty thousand (334,893) of these perishing ones 
a copy of the Bible or Testament, at an aggregate cost of over fifty-nine 
thousand ($59,212.78) dollars. ; 


In 1904 it is recorded that 


Since 1883 the Society has received and distributed for Bible work, 
$303,051.26. It has paid into the treasury of the American Baptist Mis- 
sionary Union $48,031.36, and into the treasury of the Foreign Board of 
the Southern Baptist Convention $13,000, to aid in foreign Bible work. 
Besides, it has aided all the missionaries of The American Baptist Home 


Mission Society both on the home field and in our insular possessions with 
Bibles. 


In 1922 the report of the Board states: 


We have spent about $10,000 for an entire set of copper plates ready to 
be used in printing the Russian Bible. An edition of 15,000 has been 
authorized, and will be printed as soon as possible. The sum total of costs 
of the Russian Bible, including the plates and the first edition of 15,000 
copies, will be approximately $36,000. It will be a most attractive and 
interesting volume, and from every point of view it will be the finest 
Bible in the Russian language ever printed. Grants of Scriptures have 
been made in forty-six States, and in the following countries: Africa, 


[ 76 ] 


BUBAIA 


HAN 


RHA CBAIERHATO DWCAHIA 


BETXATO WM HOBATO 3ABBTA 
Bb PYCCKOMD MEPEBOLS 


Cb NAPANIJNIENLHEMH MBCTAMA 


OT'b IOAHHA 


THOIABA 1. 


® Hayaxh 65110 Caoso, wu C2080 
610 y Bora, m Caoso On10 Bors. 

2. Ono 61110 BL Hayarb y Bora. 

3. Bee upesb Hero Hayvano. OMIT, 
6e35 Hero HM. uO He HAdaIO OTB, 
utd HagalO OBITS. 

4. Bb Hemb Oba 2%3Hb, H KUSH 
Oia CBBTh WAOBEKOBE. 

5. A cabrb Bo Thm’ cBbraArs, H ThMa 
He 00bANAa ero. 

6. Barb wexAOBBKD, MOCIaHAH OTD 
Bora; uma emy Joann. 





PHILADELPHIA 


Diba sSUDSON) PRESS 


BOSTON CHICAGO ST. LOUIS LOS ANGELES 
KANSAS CITY SEATTLE TORONTO 


TITLE-PAGE AND OPENING OF JOHN’S GOSPEL 
In the Russian Bible 





THE BOOK OF BOOKS 


Canada, Canary Islands, Central America, China, Czechoslovakia, France, 
India, Mexico, Porto Rico, Russia, South America, Sweden, and the West 
Indies. Several large gifts were made to colleges and seminaries at home 
and abroad. Scriptures in the various languages of this polyglot country 
have been supplied to all the missionaries of The American Baptist Home 
Mission Society as well as to the missionaries of the American Baptist 
Foreign Mission Society. We send to China to obtain the Scriptures which 
our missionaries have prepared to meet the needs of the Chinese in this 
country. During the year we have aided 311 churches and 288 individuals 
by giving without money and without price 13,110 Scriptures. 


Expressions of thanks like the following this year are com- 
mon through the years: 


From our Baptist brethren—Lodz, Poland: “ The three cases containing 
Bibles, Testaments, and Gospels arrived safely at Lodz. We thank you 
heartily for so generously helping us to propagate the evangelical truth in 
our land. The Bibles will be carefully circulated amongst the people, and 
later on, a report concerning the distribution of the same will be for- 
warded to you. May God bless you in your kind act.” 

From a missionary of the Woman’s Home Mission Society in Michigan: 
“Many thanks for your generous gift of two packages of Bibles.” From 
a U. S. Service representative, California: “The Testaments came to me 
last week. Please accept my thanks for this grant. The men of the U. S. 
Service will appreciate very much these splendid Testaments.” From a 
pastor in Ohio: “ Many thanks for the Bibles, which were received in fine 
condition. I want you to know that your kind cooperation in this matter 
is very greatly appreciated.” 


45. An Improved Edition 


In carrying forward the work of providing the best render- 
ings obtainable, the Society engaged the three Nestors of the 
denomination (in the eighties), Dr. Alvah Hovey, Dr. Henry 
G. Weston, and Dr. John A. Broadus, to take the Bible Union 
New Testament of 1865 and subject it to careful revision. 
This was exactly in the spirit of the Union’s whole endeavor. 
For example, in the typical folio volume of the Acts of the 
Apostles (1858) arranged in three columns, ‘ King James 
Version,” “‘ Greek Text,’ and “ Revised Version,” the work 
largely of that foremost New Testament scholar Horatio 
Balch Hackett, the preface closes with these words: 


7a) 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








There is no pretense or supposition that this work is perfect. It is pub- 
lished to call forth criticism. The desire is that its faults should be de- 
tected in order that they may be corrected. No one who really loves the 
truth will prefer that a mistake or oversight of his should pass current 
for the word of God. To know and do His will should constitute the sole 
aim of a disciple of the Divine Teacher. Whoever by a just criticism con- 
tributes his mite to the correction of a living translation of the Sacred 
Oracles, so as more clearly to bring out the truth, deserves more gratitude 
than the man who discovers a mine of gold or of diamonds. 


In exactly that high realm, the Publication Society brought 
out in 1891 an “ Improved Edition” of the New Testament 
by the three scholars above named. In 1880 the task of revis- 
ing and completing the Bible Union’s Old Testament work 
was committed by the Society to Drs) Bo’ ©. Taylor iis 
Sampey, W. R. Hatper, and IL. M. Price. 7 The preface pi the 
1912 edition says: 

When the work of translation was sufficiently advanced, that of composi- 
tion began. Progress was slow, however, and this part of the undertaking 
was not completed until the year 1910, when, to the great satisfaction of 


the Society the task assigned by the Saratoga Convention in 1883 was 
ended so far as production is concerned. 


But such work is never really “ended.” ‘The report of the 
Board ten years later (1922) says, 

Our Improved Edition of the English Bible has a number of typographi- 
cal errors, and the book should be read from the beginning to the end 
most carefully to discover all such blunders, and corrections should be 


made, new plates being provided wherever necessary, and a new edition of 
the work should be issued. 


It is the unique glory of the denomination that for seventy- 
four years, through the Publication Society and its constituent 
organizations, we have prosecuted the work of getting the 
English Bible into unmistakable English. This putting of the 
Bible within reach of the common people and measures for 
putting it into their hands and inducing them to study it, are 
the supreme work of a church publishing society, at any rate 
of a Baptist Publication Society. Said President John A. 
Earl at the 1913 annual meeting, ‘‘ It is more necessary for 


[78 ] 


THE BOOK OF BOOKS 


the Baptists to give the world a correct Bible than to do any 
of the other worthy things for which The American Baptist 
Publication Society exists.” 

In this connection the enthusiasm of the Chairman of the 
Society’s Committee on Bible Work in 1907 deserves record. 
All ardent believers in an actual English reproduction of the 
ancient Holy Scriptures will agree that in this instance the 
enthusiasm of Dr. D. C. Hughes was tempered by a judicial 
spirit like that of his illustrious son. 

Now, at length, after years of toil, anxiety, and expenditure of money, 
our Society has brought to a successful completion a revision of the entire 
Bible—the Old and New Testaments. The Board, and especially our hon- 
ored and indefatigable secretary, Adoniram Judson Rowland, D. D., and 


his able coadjutors, are to be most heartily congratulated on bringing to 
pass this magnificent masterpiece of all their splendid work. 


In his diamond anniversary address of the Society (1899) 
Doctor Henson said, “ A single Testament has been known to 
lead eighty-six people to the Lord in one year.” The 1921 
report of the Society puts this glowing item on record: 

In a shop meeting in a middle Western city, no direct appeal was made, 
but pocket Testaments were given to the workers. On the way home in 
a Street-car that night one of the men was reading his new gift, the 
New Testament. Sharp and surly were the taunts of his mates, but as 
the jeers continued he looked up and said: “ All right, boys; keep it up, 


but this Book just now has taken me back nearer to my mother’s knee 
than I have been for twenty-seven years.” A quiet came in that car. 


The two great phases of our history yet to be treated, col- 
portage and Sunday-school work, are obviously aspects of this. 


46. Expositions 


Before passing to chapters on those aspects of publishing 
the Word, we must note in the present chapter on the Book of 
books expositions of the Bible. While with us the Book itself 
is the main thing and the only authoritative source, human 
commentaries on it, taken only for what they are worth, are 
worth a great deal. Exposition of the Bible is a leading factor 


[79 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


in all of our Sunday-school and periodical work. But it also 
has a place of its own. Many of the publications of the 
Society from the start have been more or less of the nature 
of commentaries, and many individual volumes explicitly so. 
But there are two complete sets of commentaries on the Bible 
which have been of great use. 

One is entitled “‘ Clark’s People’s Commentary.” It is in 
nine volumes on the New Testament. ‘There are also by the 
same author, G. W. Clark, a “ Harmony of the Gospels ” and 
a “ Harmony of the Acts.and the Epistles.’’ As a practical, 
working pastor, as well as a teacher, Doctor Clark with the 
assistance of Dr. O. P. Eaches prepared commentaries adapted 
to the wants of a multitude of people. Dr. John A. Broadus 
used in his seminary classes for years Doctor Clark’s “ Har- 
mony of the Gospels.” 

The other set is by some of our greatest scholars, Hovey, 
Broadus, W. N. Clarke, Bliss, Hackett, Arnold, Stevens, 
Gould, Kendrick, and others. It has seven volumes on the 
New Testament, which the writer as a pastor found of great 
help. It is modestly entitled “An American Commentary,” 
the general editor being Alvah Hovey. ‘There is also, later, an 
American Commentary on the Old Testament, i. e., thirteen 
books of it, in five volumes. Our American Commentary 
“has greatly approved itself to other denominations as well 
as our own.” 

It would be a fitting centennial celebration of the Publica- 
tion Society if some benevolent friends would provide that 
every young man when he is ordained in our denomination 
during the next ten years be provided with a copy of the Re- 
vised Bible, Improved Edition, in the best binding. If the 
donors would go further and put into his hands also a set of 
“An American Commentary on the New Testament,” we 
would need have no fear that our coming preachers would not 
be well equipped to understand the Book of books and to 
preach the word intelligently. 


[ 80 | 


DIVISION TWO 
GROWING TRANSMISSIONS OF LIGHT 


“The object of this corporation shall be to promote evan- 
gelical religion by means of the Bible, the Printing-press, Col- 
portage, Sunday-schools and other appropriate ways.” That 
is the chartered business of the Publication Society. Having 
glanced at one hundred years of its Bible and other printing 
work we come next to the great means of getting its publica- 
tions into the hands and hearts of the people, ‘ Colportage, 
Sunday-schools and other ways.” 


V 


COLPORTAGE 


47. Personal Portage 


In his 1922 report Dr. Samuel G. Neil calls attention to 
the fact that the essence of the Society’s work is as old at least 
as the early days of the Reformation, quoting D’Aubigne, the 
church historian, who says in 1524: 


In this manner, for the most part, these printed works were circulated. 
Farel and his friends transmitted the sacred books to certain dealers or 
Bible workers, poor men of good character for piety, who, bearing their 
precious burden, went through towns and villages, from house to house, 
knocking at every door. The books were sold to them at a low price, that 
the interest they had in their sale might make them the more industrious 
in disposing of them. Thus as early as 1524 there existed in Basle, and 
having France for the field of operations, a Bible Society, an association 
of Bible workers, and a Religious Tract Society. It is, then, a mistake to 
conceive that such efforts date only from our own age; they go back—at 
least in the identity of the objects they propose—not merely to the days 
of Reformation, but still further, to the first ages of the Church. 


[ 81 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Doubtless these light-bearers four hundred years ago carried 
their Scripture translations and other tracts on their backs, or 
strung from their shoulders, so that they brought their precious 
wares before people on trays, baskets, or the like, swung from 
the neck. So they came to be called neck-pedlers, col-porteurs. 
At any rate this house to house disposal of the most precious 
goods on earth by neck-porters, was first officially named in 
America by The American Baptist Publication Society in 1840. 
A year later the American Tract Society followed suit. Later 
on the French word was completely Anglicized so that it has 
long been simply colporter. But the accent is always on the 
first syllable, reminding us that colportage is a strictly per- 
sonal ministry. So the printed words of life become incar- 
nate, mediated by a Christlike human body. 


48. Sundry Methods 


At the outset, as we have seen, it was suggested that the 
tracts be distributed through Sunday schools as rewards, by 
home missionaries, by pastorless churches as substitutes for 
sermons, by pastors as a regular habit in visiting, and by Chris- 
tians generally. ‘If every one should carry a few tracts with 
him constantly and give them to persons likely to profit by 
them, it is impossible to calculate the benefit which might 
result.”’ That little “if” was the large discount in the work- 
ing of the plan. Yet in those days when people were not so 
flooded as now with printed matter of all sorts, there was more 
hope of a popular use of tracts. This hope was quite promis- 
ing, especially in the newer parts of the country. Accounts 
show that on the frontiers tracts were welcomed, sometimes 
with great eagerness. Home missionaries became the chief 
distributors. John Mason Peck was an apostle of tract dis- 
tribution as well as of Bible societies, public schools, Sunday 
schools, and church organization. 


Thanks be to God that you have opened to me another field of useful- 
ness. I am confident that much good is in store for this region. In the 


[ 82 ] 





REV. AMOS ROBINSON, COLPORTER-MISSIONARY 
For Many Years in the Imperial Valley, California 


rian) 
ines 
se! 
iM Peace 


Mat | Nh 


ae 


Mate 





COLPORTAGE 








whole transaction of supplying books to us, I see the hand of God clear as 
noonday. I am astonished at what has been done. When I wrote you 
first, my heart was oppressed with gloom and despondency in view of the 
prospect before us. The emotions which your answer excited, I should 
attempt in vain to express. I resolved never again to distrust, however 
dark the hour. .. Your donation is destined to exert a powerful influence 
over many immortal souls. The eagerness with which the children and 
youth listen when I read to them; the thankfulness they manifest for the 
loan of a book; and, more than all, the sensation which your letter has 
produced, indicate that they will produce an effect that may be felt for- 
ever. In no place can your tracts be more wanted than here. Preaching 
of any kind is extremely rare. Tomorrow is the Sabbath. Here will be 
heard no Sabbath bell; and nowhere within the distance of twelve miles 
at least, will be heard the sound of the gospel. .. Here the man with no 
religious sentiment invariably devotes that day to hunting, unless a stronger 
inducement is laid before him to attend to something like public worship. 
Never before did I so deeply feel the value of a book. An interesting tract, 
a religious periodical, or other interesting work, will call the people from 
the profanation of that holy day, and place them within the sound of the 
tidings of salvation. 


I*rom time to time elaborate plans were devised for getting 
the distribution done as it were by mechanism. One way was 
“monthly tract distribution” by mail. It proved an almost 
entire failure. Another was a plan of “tracts for every 
church.” On application of a minister or deacon every church 
in the country was to be supplied with 600 pages of tracts 
gratis. It was hoped that these samples would stimulate a 
demand. More than one-tenth of the churches were induced 
to ask for the free sample. But no wholesale demand was 
creatable. ‘he measure for distribution on which chief reli- 
ance was placed for many years, was auxiliary societies in 
churches. These small groups with their officers and special 
meetings got something done. They combined money-raising 
for the cause in general with consumption and distribution of 
tracts themselves. The personal element had play and was 
efficient. Their usefulness is witnessed by the fact that or- 
ganization of auxiliaries was one of the outstanding items 
reported by agents of the Society. Some years many new 
ones were formed, e. g., in 1836, 158. Some of them were 


[ 83 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








very active foratime. It will be suggestive, if an antiquarian 
can discover in some attic trunk or other heirloom a vivid 
account of the activities of one of the auxiliaries. Annual 
reports are for the most part in general terms: 


The Young Ladies’ Society of Patterson, New Jersey, had distinguished 
themselves by obtaining 350 subscribers, and distributing in and around 
the town no less than 60,000 pages of tracts. The students of the Hadding- 
ton and Burlington Institutions had formed Auxiliary Societies; and the 
latter had adopted the plan of monthly distribution. Auxiliaries in Wor- 
cester and Boston, Mass., had been active in cooperation; but many others 
had become remiss. 


Depositories and branch houses have been almost from the 
beginning great means of distribution, but they require con- 
sideration in a different connection. We are considering now 
not opportunities provided for getting good literature, but the 
carrying of it. to people and the pushing of it upon them, “ go- 
ing out into the highways and hedges and compelling ”’ 
attention. 7 | 

The work of missionary-minded pastors was the stock out 
of which grew the chief development in distribution. In 1838 
a minister in Arkansas wrote, and similar accounts came from 
many States in the West: 


I cannot find language to express the thankfulness which I feel for so 
valuable a treasure, and the salutary effects which they have wrought 
among the Baptists here. Since the arrival of the box of tracts I have 
been riding, preaching, and distributing them. I have visited the churches 
and the respective neighborhoods in the Association. Uniformity is effected 
among the Baptists of this Association; the missionary cause is warmly 
espoused, and all move on harmoniously. I have distributed all, and could 
have distributed many more. I am highly pleased with the information 
you gave me in your last, of sending on another box of tracts. They will 
be cordially received, and all dispatch made in distributing them. 


49. Commissioned Men 


The word Colporter first appears in the report of 184r. 
The paragraph concerning this modest beginning is as follows: 


[ 84 ] 


COLPORTAGE 








Colporteurs. A few traveling agents, upon the Colporteur system, have 
been employed. The amount of their business has not been extensive. But 
the Board believe that when this system can be brought more largely into 
operation, particularly at the South and West, it will effect great good. It 
will require a large increase of capital to enable the Board to use this 
system as extensively as they wish. When this is furnished, an experiment 
can be made, which will test the feasibility of the plan; and which we 

think will prove it to be a most important means of doing good. 


Three years later we get the first full glimpse of colportage, 
which has been an important part of the Society’s work for 
eighty years: 


Colporteurs. The experiment in this Department of our efforts demon- 
strates its economy, safety, and efficiency. Without this appendage, the 
Publication Society can effect but little in providing for the spiritual 
wants of the churches where its labors are most needed. This plan in- 
volves no doubtful experiment. It requires no complicated or expensive 
machinery to provide means of instruction by the press for our whole 
denomination. No costly agencies -are necessary. The plan adopted com- 
bines the agency system of the American Tract Society, and the book 
system of the Methodists. Our Colporteurs, instead of being paid salaries, 
traveling expenses, and for traveling equipage, receive a commission on 
sales. Pious, discreet, and efficient colporteurs in this way can sustain 
themselves, provided the Board has means to furnish them with sufficient 
stock. They visit families, attend protracted and other meetings, associa- 
tions and Sabbath schools, and supply the people with suitable publica- 
tions, and cultivate habits of reading. Throughout the whole South and 
West, appointments for preaching can be made, and congregations gathered 
on week-days as well as on Sabbaths. In most cases these colporteurs 
will be ministers of the gospel, and thereby a useful corps of intinerant 
missionaries can be provided in our frontier and destitute settlements. 
There are providential circumstances in the condition of our Southern 
and Western ministers, that make such an arrangement highly expe- 
dient. A very large proportion of our churches, in those parts of our 
country, have regular visits from ministers but once a month. The 
monthly meetings always include two days. On Saturdays, church-mem- 
bers and many other people assemble for worship. This furnishes the 
colporteur an admirable opportunity to dispose of his books. Baptist 
pastors and itinerants can do what every Methodist circuit preacher has 
always done—supply the churches with means of instruction from the 
press. Rev. O. Dodson, of the Western District in Tennessee, performed 
services as colporteur a few weeks last year, and circulated about $280 
of our publications in a section where they had never reached before. Rev. 
J. Lamb is an itinerant missionary and also a colporteur in Bethel asso- 


[85 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








ciation in Kentucky and Tennessee. The Rev. T. L. Garrett of Western, 
and Rey. D. S. Colgan of Southern Kentucky have each been furnished 
with a small assortment of books for circulation in that quarter. Mr. 
Thomas F. Morgan officiates as colporteur in Cincinnati and vicinity. 
Rev. A. B. Harris has just commenced colporteur and itinerant missionary 
labors in Illinois and Missouri. The missionaries connected with the 
Pennsylvania Convention have circulated the Society’s books, and done 
much service for the Society in this State. 


A circular issued that year gives other important details 
of this newly systematized business : 


Ministers and other brethren who wish to obtain the publications of the 
Society on credit, will please send, with two responsible names besides 
their own, the following form of security: [The form is omitted here. ] 

The following rule is to be observed invariably: “In no case should a 
person pay out money received for books, for any other purpose, however 
great and pressing may be his necessities. It is a dishonest breach of trust 
and must be treated accordingly. Nor. should he sell books to churches, 
Sabbath schools, or individuals, on credit unless he is prepared to pay 
for them promptly himself.” Usually colporteurs receive 25 per cent. 
for their perquisite on sales, which they can retain and use. The safest 
mode of sending funds is to purchase from some bank, broker, or mer- 
chant, a draft or order on a bank or mercantile house in Philadelphia. 
This saves all risk of mail; for if the draft is lost, it can be sent again, 
by getting a duplicate. On books purchased by the Society of others, a 
percentage of all above costs and incidental expenses will be allowed; 
averaging, probably, from 15 to 20 per cent. 


50. Employed Men 


It will be seen that remuneration was entirely by commis- 
sion. But the next year (1845) a new feature was intro- 
duced, that of'a nominal salary in addition to the commission. 
This, toa, is a fundamental document in our history. After 
describing the percentage plan it says: 


There is another feature which may be introduced with great effect 
and at small expense, and which is specially desirable in those parts of 
our country where missionary aid is necessary. The Society has had 
one colporteur and missionary employed a part of the last year on a definite 
salary, and the percentage on books sold, after meeting incidental expenses, 
is placed to the credit of the Society. As an illustration of this feature in 


[ 86 ] 


COLPORTAGE 


colporteur operations, and its admirable adaptedness to those parts of 
our country where the destitute circumstances of the people do not permit 
them to purchase many books, and where missionary labour is specially 
needed, we submit a synopsis of a few months’ labour performed by the 
Rev. A. B. Harris, in Hlinois, Missouri, and Kentucky. During six 
months he traveled 2,486 miles, visited 40 different churches and 275 
families for religious purposes, preached 66 sermons, made 28 addresses, 
sold 644 volumes, and distributed about 9,000 pages of tracts. His salary 
was $75, and traveling and other incidental expenses, including freight on 
books sent him, were $27.12. Sabbath schools, temperance, and every 
good work occupied his attention. A large proportion of the churches 
visited, were destitute of regular pastors and have only occasional preach- 
ing. Mr. Harris has been reappointed for the same field on a pledge of 
$100 from Milford, N. H. This experiment shows that for each one 
hundred dollars special donation for this purpose, a missionary can be 
sustained in the most destitute parts of the United States. The percentage 
on sales will make up his small salary. But it is only a class of self- 
denying men in the Western Valley, who have small farms to sustain their 
families, or who, like the missionary named, are single men, that will 
perform this laborious work. 

The most numerous class of colporteurs we employ are those ministers 
who spend such portion of their time as they can itinerate, which will 
average from 50 to 150 days (besides Sabbaths) in a year. Those in the 
-employ of missionary societies, of course, devote their whole time to this 
work. The Society and public can now judge of the economy of this mode 
of colporteur operations. Our plan proposes to perform a great amount 
of labor at the smallest expense to the Society—to make the books pay 
the expense of their own distribution. 


The next year shows ten men employed in this new way 
and gives some additional side-lights : 


We have not the least objection, if the churches and brethren will it, 
that these men should receive the same compensation as another Society 
pays laymen—besides furnishing their outfit, traveling and transportation 
expenses. But for the present we can find men to labor on the terms 
proposed. There is an exception to be made in the case of German mis- 
sionaries, who have not the same facilities for selling books to their own 
people. 

Each colporteur missionary is instructed to report specifically his labors 
monthly; and when desired, he will write quarterly to the church, com- 
pany, or individual that contributes his salary. Those who give to this 
fund, have the right to say in what State, or particular field they would 
have it applied, and their wishes consulted as to the particular man they 
prefer. 


[ 87 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





51. Essential Pioneering 


From this time on for years colportage is the chief feature 
of the annual report of the Board. “ Colportage may be 
regarded as the right arm of our service.’ Many pages are 
devoted to excerpts from reports of the individual colporters. 
Many students were employed in their vacation time. For 
example, in 1854, sixty-two colporters were commissioned, of 
whom thirteen were students. Two years later there were 
one hundred and nine, of whom twenty-three were students. 
In 1857 an address by Dr. D. C. Eddy, then of Boston, pre- 
sented Christ as a model colporter: 


The three years of his public ministry were three years of colporter 
work, practical lay preaching from city to city and from house to house. 
See Him at the well of Samaria. 


The new strong hand of Doctor Griffith wrote in 1858: 


Many books and tracts can be sold at the Society’s depositories, and by 
booksellers who may be disposed to encourage their sale. The quantity 
thus disposed of, however, must necessarily be limited; neither do they 
reach the persons who need them most, and for whose special benefit they 
are published. The masses of unconverted people, and of errorists, go not 
to stores to buy religious books; they must be carried to their doors, 
pressed upon their attention, sold when they can be, and given away where 
there is inability to purchase. This the Society is endeavoring to do by a 
well-directed system of colportage. By this means, over twenty thousand 
bound volumes, and one hundred and eighty-seven thousand pages of 
tracts, have been distributed this last year among those who probably 
would not have purchased a single book or tract, had they not been 
brought to their doors. 

The Colporteur is a PIONEER MISSIONARY. He goes before the 
pastor and the home missionary, as their forerunner. There are in our 
country, even yet, thousands of sparsely settled sections, where things 
are not ready for the missionary. Into these the Colporteur goes, to 
prepare them for the cultivation of others. He passes from house to 
house, be they cabins or mansions, not as a book pedler, but as a man of 
God intent upon saving souls. In connection with the distribution of 
good books, he converses with each member of the family on personal 
religion, exhorts them to repentance, reads to them God’s Word, and 
kneels with them in prayer. What must be the influence of such a visit 


[ 88 ] 











COLPORTER EXPLAINING THE WAY OF LIFE 


To a Group of Men in Pioneer Country 


Se” Cae ae Se Fe 









Mu 
4 


* 


4 









COLPORTAGE 








by a stranger in families unaccustomed to religious appeals! Tracts and 
books are left behind, to deepen the impression when he is gone. And 
the Society, by its Colporteurs, has made two hundred and twenty thousand 
such visits during the last five years. 


The principles established in the fifties of the nineteenth cen- 
tury have abided, and the reports of the individual colporters 
sound now as they did then. 

In the late sixties there was a great quickening in this part 
of the Society's work. In 1865 “ The Board ask that the 
Society give the subject their special consideration.’’ The 
Committee on Colportage reported through Samuel Haskell, 
then pastor at Kalamazoo, and in the midst of his third of a 
century as one of the great cultivated denominational leaders 
in Michigan. It was a gripping report. 


We deeply regret that a national society, claiming to have been the 
first to inaugurate this work of evangelical labor, has been able to employ 
but twenty-six Colporteurs during the year, only fourteen of whom have 
been in this country. There is no single State or Territory in our land 
but should have in itself alone more than fourteen of such workmen 
employed. Few forms of Christian labor are so economical and so 
blessed, both to the actor and to those acted upon. The service of these 
twenty-six men has cost us perhaps $25 per day. Their work will give 
to each day of the year some eight sermons, fifty religious visits, two 
destitute families supplied with the Bible, sixty-three other volumes, and 
two hundred and seventy-five tract pages put into circulation; the results 
of all which defy our measurements. 


Negotiations for consolidation’ with the Bible Society absorbed 
the next anniversary, but the anniversary following (1867) 
majored on colportage. Preceding the regular meeting two 
highly manned colportage sessions were held. 


A meeting of the Society’s colporteurs was held. Rev. G. J. Johnson, 
District Secretary for the district west of the Mississippi, introduced the 
order of exercises in a few remarks explanatory of the purpose of the 
meeting. Twenty-five colporteurs were present. Rev. J. M. Gregory, 
LL. D., President of the Illinois Industrial University, presided. Dr. C. R. 
Blackall, Secretary of the Lake District, was chosen Secretary of the 
meeting, and prayer being offered by R. Babcock, D. D., the hymn “ Coro- 
nation” was sung. On assuming the chair, Doctor Gregory delivered an 


[ 89 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








able address on ‘ The Relation of a Religious Literature to the Spread 
of the Kingdom of Christ.” The audience having joined in singing “ The 
Morning Light is Breaking,” Doctor Gregory introduced several brethren, 
who spoke of the colporteur work of the Society. Prayer was offered by 
Doctor Turnbull, of Connecticut, and the meeting adjourned until eve- 
ning. The meeting reassembled at half-past seven, Warren Randolph, 
D. D., of Boston, presiding. Prayer was offered by Dr. S. Haskell, of 
Michigan. Doctor Randolph then, in an able manner, addressed the meet- 
ing upon “ Missionary Colportage, in its Relation to the Evangelization of 
our Country.” 


The next year the Board advocated at length “ Associational 
Colportage ” and the Society adopted the recommendations of 
a special Committee: 


Ist. That it is eminently desirable that aecolporteur be employed within 
the bounds of every’ Association in this country. 2nd. That it is generally 
practicable, in our judgment, for every Association in the country to fully 
support a colporteur. 3rd. In case, however, any Association feel itself 
unable to furnish all the means necessary for this purpose, that the Board 
of the Society be recommended to supplement the deficiency. 4th. That 
in view of the largely increased demand thus likely to be made upon our 
Treasury, we urge upon the churches the imperative necessity of largely 
increased contributions to the benevolent fund of the Society. 


The following year it is said, as so often, “ The colporteur is 
a pioneer missionary,’ but “ Associational Colportage”’ is 
already meeting the great obstacle. 


In the report last year, we suggested the desirableness and feasibility 
of each Baptist Association sustaining a colporteur within its own bounds. 
Two States have made a practical application of the suggestion. Iowa has 
seventeen Associations, ten of which support each a colporteur. In Mis- 
souri, seven Associations are supporting colporteurs in their respective 
fields, and with blessed results. The plan works well, when fairly tried. 
But the greatest care is needed in making the provision for raising 
promptly the colporteur’s salary. If this is placed in the hands of a Com- 
mittee, who, for any reason, fail to perform their duty, then the colpor- 
teur is left without support, the effort fails, and the Associational Col- 
portage falls into disrepute. To aid Associations in the support of the 
colporteur they may select and recommend to the Society for appointment, 
we will allow him 25 per cent. on his sales, and will also allow him tracts 
and books equal to ten per cent. on his sales, to give away to the poor and 
destitute on his field. 


[ 90 | 


COLPORTAGE 


The “ Association,” our earliest unit of cooperation, is now 1n 
many cases a somewhat perfunctory organism, the State Con- 
vention with its employed executives is the efficient body. The 
local need of genuine colportage almost everywhere is great. 
It would not be strange if the thought of half a century ago 
should yet be put into operation by the State Conventions and 
the Publication Society. At any rate Associational Colportage 
was a noble ideal. 

The volume of colportage has varied. In 1880 only four- 
teen were listed as colporters. But Doctor Griffith wrote: 

For many years, colportage was made a very prominent feature of the 
Society’s missionary work—in one year there being over two hundred col- 
porteurs in service; and, in all, during the forty years, the Society has 
had nearly fifteen hundred different laborers of this class employed in the 
different fields on this continent and in Europe. But, during the last ten 
years, under the pressure of the demand for Sunday-school work in our 
country, colporteurs have largely given place to Sunday-school missionaries. 
Now, however, this form of labor is being revived and extended. The 
Board cherishes the conviction that there is no work on the world’s wide 
field today urging weightier claims upon American Christians, than the 
evangelization of this our own country, and that no agency is better 


adapted to aid in this, than the Missionary Colportage of this Society. 
Our colporteur force, therefore, should be indefinitely enlarged. 


This aim was carried out, and only four years later the list of 
colporters was again large, one hundred and nineteen in forty 
States and Territories. At the annual meeting in 1885 Dr. 
James B. Simmons, a pastor in New York City who had previ- 
ously been for seven years Corresponding Secretary of The 
American Baptist Home Mission Society, made an address 
concerning colportage, so comprehensive, concretely luminous, 
and commanding that it may well serve as an inspiration to 
any one who wants to know the real spirit of this work. 

A recent statement of the Bible and Field Department about 
the work of colporter-missionaries contains helpful sugges- 
tions. Let one page be a part of this history: 


Duties of Colporter-missionaries. (a) To visit homes in districts 
remote from settlements and churches as well as the homes of every 


[ 91 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


unevangelized group within their field. (b) To distribute Bibles and 
religious literature in the homes of the unevangelized people within 
their field. (c) To hold personal religious conversations for the purpose 
of strengthening those who already believe, and of winning into personal 
fellowship with Christ, those who have not believed on him. (d) To bring 
scattered and newly converted Baptists, wherever possible, into active 
touch and fellowship with near-by existing Baptist churches. (e) To 
report to the State Superintendent any situation which would seem to 
warrant the establishment of a Baptist church or Sunday school. (f) To 
institute, wherever possible, the home study of the Sunday-school lesson 
and to urge those who agree to enroll with the Home Department, to 
purchase quarterlies and supplies. (g) To preach to groups of people who 
may be collected at any time and at any place, where he may be passing, 
when this is possible. 


In the summer of 1923 a deputation of the Home Missions 
Council studying at close range the needs of far Northwestern 
States came to the conclusion that “f’’ above is almost the 
only practicable way to get regular religious ministry to multi- 
tudes of lonely homes in our broad land. 


52. In Polyglot Cities 


Colportage is commonly thought of in connection with scat- 
tered frontier settlements, but it 1s needed also in crowded com- 
munities to carry the spiritual goods to those who will not 
even cross the street to get them. Secretary Heman Lincoln 
in 1853 and Secretary Samuel G. Neil seventy years later alike 
set this forth in telling terms. Great development of this 
phase of colportage did not take place till the twentieth cen- 
tury, notably first under the vigorous administration of Doctor 
Lamson. ‘The 1913 report says: 

During the past year we have had on the average about one hundred 
men engaged in colporter service. More than fifty of these are provided 
with wagons. Forty are working among foreign-speaking people repre- 
senting many different races or nationalities. The reports sent in monthly 
by those men show that the spirit of unselfish consecration to Christ still 
exists. With small salaries, and amidst difficulties and trials sufficient to 
discourage the stoutest hearts, they labor on, content to do the humblest 
work if they may only win souls. Whether laboring in New England or in 


the far West, they are heroic and faithful, the picket-line of our Baptist 
army, the frontiersmen of our Baptist advance. 


[ 92 | 


COLPORTAGE 








The next year radical advances are considered : 


Of the one hundred and thirty-eight colporters employed by the Society 
during the year, sixty-one have been among the foreign-speaking peoples. 
In all, our men are preaching the gospel in over twenty tongues. It is 
interesting to note that during the past five years the appropriations of the 
Society for this kind of work in the cities have increased over five hundred 
per cent. The results are, in many cases, astonishingly large. It is a 
serious question which we must face—whether in the future enlargement 
of the colportage service we shall put the chief emphasis on the needs of 
the foreigners in our cities or the unchurched in Western and rural States. 

A question is frequently raised in the minds of some as to whether the 
colporters are not really sources of profit to the Society. It is true that 
the majority of the colporters carry limited stocks of Bibles, Testaments, 
and other books that make for the development of the Christian life, which 
they offer for sale to those who can afford to buy them. We act upon the 
principle that the man who pays something for a Bible or any other book 
will appreciate it far more than if it is given outright. We do not intend 
thus to impoverish our constituency. But the colporters are constantly 
urged that the book- and Bible-selling is not their chief business. They 
are Jesus Christ’s men seeking to bring his own into fellowship with him 
through personal conversation and earnest appeal. And they are urged 
to give the Bible to those who are destitute and cannot afford to buy. It 
is interesting to note, therefore, and it becomes a sufficient answer to those 
who speak of the profit, that last year the total profit on the sales that were 
made by one hundred and ninety-six men was only $2,746.39, while the 
actual cost to the Missionary Department of the book gifts which the col- 
porters alone made was $3,642.18, and at the same time they gave away 
1,277,358 tracts. They are missionary distributors in the truest sense of 
the term. 

The Secretary has met groups of colporters in fourteen conferences, 
discussing problems and outlining policies and plans for stronger service. 
He has become more and more impressed with the heroism, consecration, 
and ability of these men and their wives. As he has traveled over some 
of their fields, he has come to believe that no other agency is so well 
adapted to carry Christ to the neglected and widely scattered, and that 
no other agency is more effective in establishing the kingdom. 

We believe that some readjustment is necessary in the matter of the sala- 
ries paid to colporters. In these days of high cost of living, we hold that it 
is unreasonable to ask any man to give his whole time to Christian work 
for a stipend so small as to make it impossible for him to live respectably, - 
educate his children, and give decent burial to his dead. We consider that 
nine hundred dollars ought to be made the minimum colportage wage, and 
we propose to move to that end as rapidly as possible, while holding to 
our policy of living within our income. 


[ 93 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








An important factor in the development of colportage is 
thus recorded in 1913: 


We desire to make special mention of “The Man from Pennsylvania” 
who not only has provided the Society twelve wagons and teams—four 
for Colorado, four for Wyoming, and four for Montana—but who pays the 
salary and expenses of the missionaries upon the wagons. In making this 
large gift and assuming this large responsibility, Mr. M. C. Treat deserves 
and should receive the thanks of the entire denomination. 


53. Carrying On 


The annual report of the Bible and Field Secretary for 1922 
shows that the ideals of this work continue throughout the 
century : 


We have Bible workers in the homeland, and Bible workers in Mexico, 
Cuba, Porto Rico, and El Salvador. The task of the Bible worker has 
become very extensive, as their monthly reports show. Yet mere statistics 
do not show the full power of the Bible worker, which lies in the word 
spoken to discouraged seekers after truth, the patient listening to stories 
of failures to live a Christian life, the cheer brought to the lonely homes 
in sparsely settled districts, the placing of a Bible or Testament, or a 
Child’s Bible Story Book in a home devoid of any religious books, the 
seeking out of those who have fallen by the wayside, the cottage prayer- 
meeting in places where there is no religious service, talks by the wayside 
with homeless men and with those in the homes, Christian testimony and 
scattering Christian literature among factory employees at the noon-hour, 
for all this and much more enters into the daily life of the Bible worker. 
It is said that only five out of one hundred young men in the United 
States belong to the Christian church, and only fifteen out of one hundred 
attend church. The Bible worker can reach these young men who do not 
attend church, by the roadside, in boarding-houses, mining-camps, construc- 
tion gangs on the railroads, along the docks and water-fronts of our cities, 
on board the ships, in hospitals and prisons, at the crossing of the high- 
ways, and in all other places where men congregate together. Last year 
our Bible workers spent 47,137 hours in visiting from house to house, and 
actually made calls upon 158,715 families, and reported 9,015 conversions 
in the homes of the people. 


In the summer of 1923 the present writer went from house 
to house, in three States on the Western Slopes, with different 
colporters, and found them earnestly carrying on according to 
the best ideals of more than fourscore years. In home after 


[ 94 | 





A BAPTISM BY A COLPORTER-MISSIONARY 


In an Ancient Aztec Reservoir in Southwestern Colorado 





COLPORTAGE 


home, twenty miles from a church or Sunday school, indiffer- 
ence to the gospel visit soon turned to cordial appreciation. 
Grudging consent to a season of prayer changed into warmly 
expressed gratitude with moist eyes in token of sincerity. No 
word can measure the results of four million visits in homes 
by the colporters of The American Baptist Publication Society. 
One of our denominational historians has correctly said that 
colportage is “ for the performance of necessary, PIONEER 
Christian work.” 


[ 95 | 


VI 
CONVEYANCES 


Conveyances have been used in great variety during the 
century, pack-baskets and hand-bags, saddle-bags and one- 
horse wagons, model wagons and teams, automobiles, small 
steamboats, chapel cars, and auto chapel cars. 


54. Pack-baskets and Hand-bags 


There is no record of the number of miles which our col- 
porters footed summer and winter carrying Testaments and 
other weighty pages on neck and shoulders. Judging by my 
own experience in house-to-house pastoral work on the smooth 
pathways of Newton Center, Massachusetts, many colporters 
would have been surprised to learn the number of miles they 
traveled. Wearing a carefully adjusted pedometer, I found 
that in a single year | walked more than one thousand miles 
in rendering pastoral service. We cannot know the tons of 
literature which these literal neck-porters carried along forest 
trails or prairie paths in blazing sun and biting blizzards, 
through winding valleys and over mountain passes. During 
the century our colporters may have walked one million miles 
or more. 

It long was the custom to carry the goods in baskets. A 
lady on Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, at first received “‘ Uncle 
John Vassar”’ coldly, but before he left the house after he 
had prayed she bought his whole basketful and gave him a 
donation beside. Let the gifted pen of Mrs. L. H. Trow- 
bridge, the historian of Baptists in Michigan, tell a story of 
another kind: 


Jay Pruden was born near St. John, Michigan, in October, 1867. One 
season he walked regularly nine miles to school. He was converted and 


[ 96 | 


CONVEYANCES 








baptized in 1890, studied in Kalamazoo College and for a time was pastor 
at Burr Oak. During the summer of 1892 he walked thirteen miles on 
Sundays, caring for three Sunday schools and a young people’s meeting. 
Illustrative of his patience and perseverance, he visited one schoolhouse, 
six miles away, five Sundays in succession when no one came; but at 
length a good Sunday school was established. In December, 1892, he was 
commissioned by the Publication Society as colporter. Ill health led him 
to change climate, and he went to Utah in 1897, engaging in the same work. 
In February, 1900, he returned to Michigan to act as Sunday-school mis- 
sionary, in which service he was eminently successful. In the interest of 
health he again sought change of climate and in 1907 removed to California. 

One evening after a weary day’s work, Colporter Pruden found himself 
in a violent snow-storm, carrying in his hands two bags containing books 
and Bibles. He did not know where he was going to rest for the night. 
While looking for a lodging through the blinding snow he heard a voice 
calling him, “ Stranger, don’t you want to come in out of the storm?” He 
discovered a humble home in which there was an old man and his aged 
wife. He went in and accepted their hospitality, and endeavored to talk 
with them on the subject of religion before retiring; but his message was 
received almost with curses, and he retired to rest with a heavy heart. 
In the morning the old gentleman and his wife met him as he was 
coming out of his sleeping apartment and said, “Stranger, have you a 
Bible?” He said, ‘“‘ Yes, but why do you ask such a question after last 
night’s declarations?” The old man replied, “ We want you to read it 
to us and pray with us.” Then the colporter said, “I would like to know 
why you changed?” The old man said, “ Stranger, do you know you talk 
in your sleep?” and he replied, “No.” ‘“ Well, wife and I have been 
kept awake by hearing you say every little while in your sleep, ‘Oh, that 
they might know Jesus!’ and we want to know him.” This man and his 
wife were converted; and a few weeks later they drove seven miles to a 
Baptist church in order to make their confession of faith. 


55. Saddle-bags and One-horse Wagons 


The first powerful motor outside of human muscles to help 
colportage was the horse. Colporters became cavaliers. They 
were indeed the very chivalry of the kingdom of heaven. 
Saddle-bags were the great emblems of portage in early times. 
We have now and then a “ saddle-bag missionary ” still, as we 
still have here and there in the twentieth century a “ walking 
Brown” (in Wyoming’) or other tramping itinerant. It was 
one of the special commendations of John Mason Peck’s great 
plan of using frontier preachers as colporters, that already 


al 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT ™ 


their wide circuits had compelled them to provide themselves 
with horses and saddle-bags or buckboards. It will be re- 
membered that he had made his own journey of four months 
with his family from Litchfield, Conn., to St. Louis, Mo., ina 
one-horse wagon. He and his wonderful contemporary Isaac 
McCoy, our apostle to the Western Indians, spent much of 
their lives on the wilderness trails of the then new States and 
Territories, often in hunger and in terrible cold, in bedless 
nights and in perilous floods on bridgeless roads. The vehicles 
were of every description from two-wheeled gigs to two-horse 
wagons. 


56. Model Colportage Wagons 


It was a great advance when the Society began to provide 
the conveyances. The building of vehicles especially adapted 


to the work was a late development largely in the first decade 


of the twentieth century. The first one was in Michigan. 
See it through the eyes of Mrs. Trowbridge: 


The desire for such a wagon came to Rev. E. M. Stephenson, after some 
bitter experiences with heavy hand-bags, long walks, and many other un- 
pleasant situations. The first move was the writing of a letter to Rev. 
John Fletcher, of Plainwell; one to Aunt Lizzie Aiken, Chicago; and one 
to Dr. R. G. Seymour, Philadelphia; all of whom agreed that the idea was 
good and hoped for success. Letters were then sent to all Sunday schools 
south of the Pere Marquette Railroad. During the winter an amount suff- 
cient came in to purchase a team and harness, and Mrs. Fletcher of Plain- 
well gave the wagon. In April, 1897, the outfit was dedicated at Plainwell 


with appropriate exercises, participated in by the leading members of the: 


State Sunday-school Board and President Slocum of Kalamazoo College. 
The first year’s work was a surprise to the most enthusiastic, and the 
report placed this kind of missionary enterprise on a permanent footing. 
The experiences of the summer, however, made it clear that a wagon better 
equipped for camping out was necessary; hence the original wagon and 
first team was sold at a profit, and the money deposited in aid of a model 
wagon and better team. A little more money was raised, and in April, 
1898, at Jackson, where the wagon was built and where a State Sunday- 
school Convention was called for the purpose, the new wagon and team 
were set apart for service, Rev. J. Fletcher delivering the sermon and 
Doctor Seymour making the missionary address. 


[ 98 ] 


OO 


a 


OO — a 


ERICAN Bapris, 


COLPORTAGE WAGON No. 





THE FIRST COLPORTAGE WAGON, JACKSON, MICHIGAN 
E. M. Stephenson, Sunday-school Missionary, in Charge 


Pe 
' 
\ 
4 
' 
eee) 
Lf 
i 
} 
‘ 
' 
' 
joes 
hy 
‘ 
j 2 
| 
i] 
5 { 
‘ 
aw atl 
| 
i 
' t 
' 
\. 
a) B 
Vv) 
vi 
i 
Ae 
' Zz Mt i 
~ aL ay , 
’ — « 
het 
< *soebare fe 
ve, ete 
Ds" i hat 
5° ee ee ee 
@ £ ~ ‘ 
So 7 \ 
= Ri) ” 
a Saal 
iT ia I i) 
ee is 
' yp} 
=| |i on a ee 


P rn 1 us 
ae tH, 
BS Hii aaa jit 
AU Ae he {ae 
1. iba! j U 
1 HAT ML 7 
He Ud £8 
Havtats, Ake 
any ul 
yt ae mar » 
if ais 
dork Ay Hp PMILE aT 
Teast 
WF eee : A 
Sieg ary y 
( ; 
nae 
} ty) be 
fei ye 
My 
La hee } 
‘ 
j 
{4 i 
i 4A) yy 
wa af j 
oe VAP OMS in Mart rt 
x F BTA Py ae 
ROH Dvaiate tak: 
Pa il -é f 
Hieber 
' aT Oe 
f 1 
Hi : 
' a 
‘ J J 
i 
e t 
: 
-) 
: 
i 
: 
i 
4 
nea 
" ; 1 
' 
; 
“Fe 
ié 
‘ c ; 
‘ 
% mak ; 
the *a\ 
n 
aaa 
, ; dual Oe ee 
ry 0% 7 x9 5 \ 
+ ! ro- ” 
: d xy i 2 ig 
7 g beat | 
= Nise 
: oI rr t 
4 ‘4 
rr ke 7 : 
A ® ce, ta 
mid > ey ¥ 
1 
j 
\ 6 
- ¢ bs 
’ ™ 





CONVEYANCES 





The first fifty weeks of service with the wagon resulted in the following: 
3,863 miles traveled; 301 meetings held; 434 sermons and addresses; 2,082 
families visited; 499 Bibles and 590 Testaments sold; 151 Bibles and 161 
Testaments given; 1,008 books sold and 918 given; 73,795 pages of tracts 
and 225,565 pages of religious papers distributed. 


The wagons proved so useful that they were rapidly multi- 
plied: Within three years there were eighteen of them. The 
following is a description of one: 


The plan of the inside of Wagon No. 5 is as follows: Immediately back 
of the seat and about eighteen inches above the bottom of the wagon slats 
are fastened to strips of board bolted to the bows. On these slats a coiled 
wire-spring bed is placed with mattress and blankets. This is covered 
with a canvass cover as a protection from the dust. Thus a comfortable 
bed is provided for the colporter and his wife, who in this case travels 
with her husband and assists him in his work. The space beneath the bed 
is used as follows: One-half next to the seat is fitted with a drawer and 
so arranged that Bibles and books can be stored. In this partition boards 
are arranged so that as sales are made the books are not left loose, and 
over the rough roads are firmly kept in a secure position. The drawer is 
fitted with a lock, although the wagon is nearly always under the watchful 
eye either of the colporter or his wife. The back-end gate of the wagon 
is held by spring hinges at the lower edge, and when opened rests upon 
supports in a horizontal position and forms a table. Just inside of this 
end gate is a galvanized sheet-iron food-box about three feet long, and 
eighteen inches wide, and nine inches high. It is dust-proof, and food does 
not become dry very quickly in it. There is also a sheet-iron cook-stove 
and a suitable variety of cooking utensils. Two camp-stools are also 
stowed away there and a light table with folded legs is carried on the 
bed, while a sack of oats and a couple of nose-bags are found in front 
with a pail used to water the horses when opportunity offers during the 
day. Thus we are independent to a very large extent as we travel. A 
mountain spring or stream with a grassy hillside and a handful of dry 
sticks enables us to make ourselves perfectly at home without a human 
habitation in sight. We sleep comfortably when it rains as when it is 
dry, for the wagon top is waterproof, and the curtains effectively shut in 
three sides, and our lap robe is made to close up the front. 


At the annual meeting of the Society in 1901 Doctor 
Stephenson set forth the ennobling service of the new type 
of conveyance: 


The new model colportage wagon makes a new man out of the colporter. 
The new wagon rescues the work from scorn and gives it a deserved 


[ 99 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


place among evangelizing agencies. The new colporter is a man. He has 
a salary and is not a beggar. He carries his bed and board with him and 
is not dependent. He believes he is called of God to do this kind of 
work, and so in the midst of hardships keeps a bright face and speaks a 
cheerful word, shedding abroad everywhere inspiration and _ sunshine. 
Many of them have been to college and theological seminaries, and number 
among their classmates some of the best men in the denomination. When 
they speak they are heard, and what they say leaves its impress upon life 
and character, for time and eternity. The wagon furnishes the material 
equipment for his work: the Bible, the blackboard, the chart, the organ, 
the song-books, and a stock of choice literature. He is ready for a day or 
a week or a month, if need be, for a prayer-meeting or a Sunday-school 
convention or a protracted meeting. He conveys himself easily about the 
country, with little or no expense, when and where he pleases. Starting 
at any point he is always facing the work. He is needed in the next house. 
He must enlighten the ignorant, warn the wayward, inspire the fainting, 
cheer the Christian, pray with the sick, comfort the mourning, bury the 
dead, preach the gospel to the poor. Begin where he will, he has never 
finished. He keeps on and on. The wagon is a great attraction. The 
colporter gets through it the hearing that he could not get without it. 
The mine, the lumber-camp, the mill, the shop, the country school, and 
even the crossroad, each furnishes more than an average congregation. It 
especially impresses the children; they like the nice horses and the fine 
wagon, the bright papers, the pretty Bibles, the story-books, the lively 
singing, and perhaps most of all, the kind words of the colporters. 


These wagons were used in the East as well as in the West. 
An elaborate account of this work in the Adirondack region 
of New York is given by G. F. Woodbury in the annual meet- 
ing of the Society in 1906. Seventy-six wagons had been 
built by 1912. 

Our latest wagon number was 76. We have kept the number advancing 
since No. 1 was built for Michigan, and this number indicates, as it 
should, how many have been in our service. We have made a recent 
survey, and find that the actual number in possession and service is 55; 
the losses are accounted for readily by the wearing out of the wagons, 
and the discontinuance in some States and Associations of cooperative 


work; in one State alone, Texas, seven wagons were withdrawn from 
service. 


57. Automobiles 


The first record of the new conveyance, destined to mean 
so much later on, is in 1913: 


[ 100 ] 





THE FIRST COLPORTAGE AUTOMOBILE EQUIPMENT 
Sent Out by The American Baptist Publication Society 
Colporter D. B. Ward Carrying His Books in His Hand - 


iW 


} 
f 
\ 
: 
' 
\« 
Te 
. 
,% 


' 


WY 


Aa 


a 






i 


Lic pei 


3 ¥ i i 


seal ay 1 


ne 4 


t 


i : ¢ 
j : 
mnt, 
iF; = 
i! bie 
fie 
j | 
; 
Melis ' 
‘ 
' 
' 
ef 
o 
Iw § 
‘¢ 
a 
4 
+ 
a eB) 
ot @ ; 
“‘- me a. 


‘ 
‘ ae 
7. 
oy Le 
+ 
es 
Ly 


*), 
ie 
. . 
£ 
i 
‘ » 
. 
5 
‘ 7. 
“ X 
‘ 
5 
i 
’ 
\ 
5 
5 
e 
\ 
{ 
| 
ey 
4 r 
st 8 
6 
' 
44 
asa 
ie 1 
~ Fey 7 
~ 
y & 
t 
' 
{ 
eS 
al - f 


an : 


tae A 


ly 
i ‘ 
; 
’ 
As 
é 
: . 
r< i] 
F 
e 
 o 
eee | 
te 
4 $e 
) 
' 
. 
oe \ 
y 
5 
> 
rh 
‘ * 
s xf 
“” 
- 
i 
, 
: 
i 
i 
ty 
=F 
? 


ta- 
ae “ah 

: on 
_ > 
4@ 





CONVEYANCES 


An automobile arranged for colporter service has been given the Society 
by Mr. A. P. Griffith of Azuza, California, which will, we believe, be an 
important aid in evangelizing the extreme southern counties of California 
now in great need of the gospel. 


Transition from wagon to auto is well under way by the 
next year. 


During the year two new wagons have been put into operation. One of 
them in Utah, which will give especial attention to Norwegian and Danish 
peoples, will be known as the ‘‘ Louisa L. Hartman Memorial,” in honor of 
the donor. Two new colportage automobiles have also been put into 
service, one a gift by his daughters in memory of the Rev. A. B. Whipple. 
Plans are now under way whereby five more will soon displace wagons. 
There are States whose roadways are such as to make the colportage 
automobile an impossibility. But in others its effectiveness far outranks 
the slowly moving team. We do not intend to lightly cast aside any 
equipment still serviceable. 


In 1915 the careful record runs: 


One year ago we reported our intention to equip as many of our col- 
porters as we wisely could with automobiles instead of wagons. In the 
execution of that policy we have already put nine into the field, while 
three more have been promised. It is not likely that we shall further in- 
crease the number at present. The cost of an automobile equipped for 
service and the cost of a colportage outfit is practically the same. It is 
beyond question that an automobile greatly increases a colporter’s ability 
to reach people. For the first year of its life an automobile is less expen- 
sive than a wagon and a pair of horses. But after that the auto’s advan- 
tage passes. It is short-lived. From the nature of the case, it cannot be 
expected to last as long as an auto in town. Our experience thus far leads 
us to question whether as an agency for missionary service in rural dis- 
tricts, the automobile is sufficiently economical for a term of years to be 
practicable. Until we have gathered more experience from those now in 
operation we must mark time. 


b) 


The swift wheels “ gathered more experience’”’ so rapidly 
that within three years the number was more than doubled. 
Only thirty-six wagons are being used in 1918, but twenty- 
five automobiles are in service. 

There is a steady tendency to displace the wagon with the automobile. 


The latter makes for increased efficiency in service, but it also entails 
greatly increased expense. 


[ 101 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





58. Gospel Cruisers 


The most picturesque method of light-carrying used by our 
Society has been its colportage cruisers. The first was used 
in 1906. 

This movement has the hearty indorsement of the Washington Baptists 
and at their suggestion, it was adopted by the Society and Mr. D. W. 
Townsend appointed our missionary. The boat is called “The Mamie 
Beal,” a memorial to a loved daughter of Mr. Beal, who contributed toward 
the boat’s construction. 


In 1913 two boats were given to the Society and dedicated 
for missionary service. Another was launched near the close 
of 1914 and dedicated a few months later. In the 1913 
records of the Society we read: 


A colportage cruiser entitled “The Life-Line,” splendidly constructed 
and fitted with every convenience, has been given the Society by the people 
of Coos County, Oregon, the construction and furnishings costing them 
nearly four thousand dollars, for work in the inland waters of that part 
of the Pacific Coast. 


In 1914 the record states: 


One year ago the Society reported the launching of the first colportage 
cruiser on Coos Bay, Oregon. In July a second was put into operation on 
the Sacramento River, and on Suisun Bay in California. At the present 
time a third is being built for service on Puget Sound, which will bear the 
name “ Robert G. Seymour,” as a memorial. Contributions for the building 
of this boat have been received from every district. 


The following from the 1915 records should be noted: 


The new colportage boat, the Robert G. Seymour, was completed in 
October, 1914, and started on its way. Dedication, however, was delayed 
until the cost of its building and equipment was fully provided, about 
$9,000. It is hoped to dedicate it in May. It has already rendered a large 
service on Puget Sound and along the Hood Canal. The Life-Line has 
continued its work in western Oregon, and the Crozer colportage cruiser 
Osceola, which will be henceforth known as the J. Lewis Crozer, has kept 
on its way preaching Christ on the waterways of northern California. 


These cruisers took the colporters to points on the shores of 
bay, river, and sound which at that time were not practicably 


[ 102 ] 


CONVEYANCES 


accessible in any other way. The little ships had devoted 
masters who diffused the gospel, wholesome reading, and the 
very Spirit of Christ, throwing search-lights across dark areas. 

As a result of the work on the Life-Line in Oregon, many 
Sunday schools were organized and a permanent work estab- 
lished in many places. The same is true of the Crozer Cruiser 
of California. The beautiful $40,000 church at Rio Vista, 
California, stands today as a memorial to and a direct result 
of that work. From that center other missions and churches 
have been established. Through the use of the Robert G. 
Seymour on the Puget Sound, our capable missionary, Rev. 
Wilbert R. Howell, maintained nearly twenty-five Sunday 
schools and regular preaching stations on the islands and arms 
of the Sound, where no other religious work was being done. 
Many were converted and baptized. In a number of the 
communities served religious services had never before been 
held, and hundreds of the people in such places witnessed their 
first Bible baptism. Mr. Howell made a large place for him- 
self in the affections of the people. 

The Life-Line and the Crozer Cruiser gave way to the auto- 
mobile when good public roads were established. The annual 
report in 1921 concludes the cruiser history: 

With the growth of the country and development of business between the 
islands and the mainland new transportation facilities were provided. 
Particularly was this true in the Hood’s Canal district. It was also true 
to a marked degree in the San Juan Island group which recently has had 
established direct and constant communication with the mainland. These 
new facilities raised the question as to whether a continuation of the 
gospel cruiser service, which is of necessity rather expensive to operate, 


was advisable, and a special committee of the State Convention was ap- 
pointed to investigate this matter. 


That committee’s report, going into particulars, is embodied 
in the report of our Board, with the following conclusion : 


In view of the findings of this special committee, as given above, the 
Society has decided to discontinue the Gospel Cruiser work on the Puget 
Sound, and has authorized the sale of the Robert G. Seymour, the pro- 


| 103 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








ceeds of the sale to be used in the furtherance of the work of Bible dis- 
tribution as carried on by the Society. 


In the judgment of George L. White, “* No employees of the 
Society have ever accomplished a more effective and truly 
missionary service than those who labored so faithfully in con- 
nection with these boats.”’ 


59. Chapel Cars 


We come now to a feature which during the last thirty years 
of the one hundred has called out, perhaps, more concrete 
interest than any other single aspect of our work. The story 
of its beginning is best told in the racy words of Boston W. 
Smith, so long general manager of the chapel car-work. 
“The Story of Our Chapel-Car Work ” (32 pp., 1896) ‘is out 
of print and very scarce: 


During the early summer days of 1890, I received a note from Dr. Way- 
land Hoyt, then pastor of the First Baptist Church of Minneapolis, Minn. 
The message of this epistle was, ‘“ Please come to my study at your earliest 
convenience.” 

I accepted the invitation, and was scarcely seated before the good doctor 
unburdened his mind. “I recently rode,’ he began, “with my brother, 
Colgate, in his private car through Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota,” 
and then added with emphasis, “ Smith, I am mightily impressed with the 
need of the missionary work of our Publication Society in this Western 
country.” While he paused for breath I hurriedly threw in the remark, 
“You'll have it worse within a year.” He resumed: “ As we have hurried 
over the rails and past new towns, I looked through the car windows to 
see how utterly destitute of all religious privileges many of these places 
were. Before the day was over I said to my brother: ‘ You railroad men 
ought to be doing more for this new country than you are now doing.’ 

“He at once replied: ‘ We think we are doing considerable; we provide 
the way for them to ship in and ship out, to get in and get out. What 
more can we do?’ I responded: ‘Just look at these towns through which 
we have been riding all day. Do you not see in all these little places from 
one to five saloons, and not a place of worship in scores of them? Why 
not build a missionary car of some kind to give these lonely and destitute 
communities an opportunity of hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ?’ ‘I 
will think about it,’ he said.” 

During the preacher’s recital of his impressions I was a most attentive 
listener, and when he said, ‘“ Now, Uncle Boston, what do you think of 


| 104 | 





THE “J. LEWIS CROZER ” 


Missionary Cruiser in the Netherlands of California 








} a : wat ry) ba? yt NP , in R Te! A q 
aay eae LA hiaet ‘i 4 ee i ri Bi, ae 


A. 


Ai 
i! 
4 


PR Uap Ale 





CONVEYANCES 


it?” I at once replied: “ Well, doctor, the more I think of it, the more I 
think of it.” . 

Shortly after this interview I was again summoned to the study of 
Doctor Hoyt. This time he said: “I have a letter from my brother; he 
is thinking favorably of my proposition concerning the building of that 
missionary car. He has organized a ‘Chapel Car Syndicate’ in Wall Street. 
Now I want you to sketch what you think would be a good plan for a 
car in which the missionary can both live and hold services.” 

I hurried to an architect’s office, and in two hours I had the drawings of 
what I thought would be a good car in which to hold services. This was 
at once forwarded to the “ Chapel Car Syndicate” consisting of John D. 
Rockefeller, Charles L. Colby, John R. Trevor, James B. Colgate, E. J. 
Barney, William Hills, and a few other level-headed business men. 

The following spring I was summoned to Dayton, Ohio. I was instructed 
to call at the shops of the Barney and Smith Car Company. Mr. Eugene 
Barney, the president, received me most kindly, and at once invited me 
to accompany him to the yards of the great plant. There, upon one of the 
tracks, stood an elegant car, resembling a Pullman sleeper. On the side 
of the car I read at the top, “ Chapel Car,” and just below the windows the 
number “1,” and the name, “ Evangel.” 

As I stood looking at the “ Evangel” after the inspection, I could but 
think how a dream of mine a dozen years before had been realized. In 
a new Minnesota town one of the railroad companies side-tracked a pas- 
senger coach every Saturday night. In the car a Baptist Sunday school 
was organized, which grew into a flourishing Baptist church. I at once 
dreamed that the day would come when a. missionary car would be built 
for the purpose of carrying the gospel to new communities, There were 
always cars enough to carry liquor and tobacco to new railroad towns; 
why should not a gospel car be placed upon the tracks? As I left the chapel 
car with Mr. Barney, I could but say, ‘Surely God’s hand is in this.” 


The “ Evangel” was dedicated May 23, 1891, during the 
anniversary meeting held in Cincinnati. Dr. Wayland Hoyt 
was very properly chosen to make the presentation and dedi- 
catory address. After the dedication the car was taken to the 
Northwest, and the ladies of the Baptist churches of Minneap- 
olis and St. Paul furnished it completely. 

The President of the Publication Society in 1923-24, Rev. 
W. H. Geistweit, D. D., was speaking of a report made by 
Dr. Alex Blackburn at the Anniversaries held in Asbury Park 
concerning the dedication of the first chapel car and told the 
following: 


[ 105 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








I was sitting at the organ and had just sung the first hymn ever heard 
in the car, beginning with the words: 


“‘Whene’er we meet, we always say, 
What’s the news? ” 


when the missionary—who was none other than “ Uncle Boston Smith ”— 
said, “ How I wish we had a hymn to dedicate this car.” Always of rather 
reckless disposition, willing to attempt anything, I replied, “ Go to the other 
end of the car, and leave me alone a little while and I'll see what J can 
do.” Ina few minutes I sat at the organ and sang: 


“Roll on, thou bright Evangel, 

Be thine the glorious aim, 

To spread abroad the story, 
The joyful news proclaim. 

Tell of our Lord’s great mercy, 
Tell how he longs to bring 

The lost from sin’s dark thralldom, 
To own him Lord and King. 


“Seek out the weak and erring; 
Seek with an earnest hand, 
Guiding unto the glory 
Of our Immanuel’s Land. 
And thou, O great Jehovah, 
Our own true Leader be, 
Thou who has led and leadest 
To all eternity.” 


And when I recall how we sought a printer to get the hymn set up, 
how each one in turn refused to take it, for the workmen had all gone 
home, and would not return till the next day; how I secured permission of 
one proprietor to get into his office at seven o’clock next morning, contract- 
ing with him that if I had it ready for the press at eight, all locked up to 
print, they would give us several thousand copies by ten o’clock; when I 
recall the smile of the boy who met me at the office next morning with the 
amused questioning, “Are you the preacher who is going to set up some 
type?’ when I remember that at seven minutes to eight the hymn was 
in the chase: ready for the press; and two hours later the great audience 
was singing it—why, sir, it is no wonder that I should be interested in the 
great work these cars are doing, and have done, and in the Society that 
makes this great movement possible in the West and South. 


The attractiveness and usefulness of that first car called 
out repeated gifts of cars until “ We are seven ’’—Evangel, 


[ 106 ] 


CONVEYANCES 


Emmanuel, Glad Tidings, Good Will, Messenger, Herald of 
Hope, and Grace. Lhe manifold talents required and de- 
veloped in the chapel-car work can be judged by the men whom 
they have trained for other large service to the denomination, 
pastors and executives, such as C. H. Rust, Sam. G. Neil, 
Joe P. Jacobs, and others. 

Pamphlets by several of the workers describing the work 
are available including two by those at work in 1924. One 
entitled “ Railroad Evangelism ” by E. R. Hermiston of con- 
spicuous success, begins, “ Dr. R. A. Torrey once said that the 
Baptists put the ‘ go’ into the gospel.” Mr. and Mrs. Robert 
Gray have one, “ The Gospel on Wheels.” The historian 
found them in the summer of 1922 filling the beautiful Mes- 
senger of Peace with boys and girls who had as much zest in 
an instructive religious exercise as they could have in play. 
The following from the August, Idaho, Baptist Messenger 
gives current chapel-car history : 


The Messenger of Peace arrived in Melba June 4 in charge of Rev. 
Robert Gray and wife. We found a membership of thirty, half of whom 
seemed to have lost interest. We began holding meetings in the car four 
nights a week. The meetings were well attended from the start. The 
people did not seem to know that the Baptist church was a community 
church and was so worded in the Constitution. We put special emphasis 
on this for a few weeks, and since this was made plain ten have come in 
as affiliated members. Also eight Baptists united by experience, and up 
to date ten others have been received for baptism. A boys’ and girls’ 
chautauqua was begun some six weeks ago and on Sunday, July 15, twenty- 
five of these boys and girls came forward, accepting Christ as their Sa- 
viour; many of these will be baptized next Sunday. Every department 
of the church is stronger for the work. A Baptist Young People’s 
Union will be organized with the older boys and girls. During 
August Mrs. Gray will superintend a Vacation School for three weeks in 
the basement of the church. At the end of the month a program will be 
given at which forty boys and girls will show what they learned in the 
chautauqua, and Mrs. Gray will lead twenty young people in a Home Mis- 
sion exercise called “ Jack O’Lantern.” Mr. Gray began a canvass yester- 
day for pledges for the support of a pastor, and it is hoped enough will 
be pledged with the help of the Convention Board to put a man on the 
field for full time. 


[ 107 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








The car work has the dignity of a volume to its account, 
‘A Church’ on: Wheels, or Ten: Years on’a\ Chapel Car aby, 
Charles Herbert Rust (178 pp.). Such chapter titles as “ De- 
partment of Domestic Science,” “ Sunday School and Young 
People’s Department,’ “ Music Department,” ‘ Resurrection 
Department,” ‘“ Rural Department,” suggest the feast spread 
by Mr. and Mrs. Rust who have since been at the head of 
some of our great churches in the East. This book should 
be available in public libraries. 

We must content ourselves here with the following com- 
prehensive statement made in an address by Rev. Joe P. Jacobs 
at the annual meeting of the Society in 1906: 


As a Baptist enterprise the chapel cars have resulted in great good to 
the entire denomination. They have advertised the denomination in a 
helpful and wholesome manner. The newspapers everywhere, both secular 
and religious, have written about the cars and thus called attention 
to the denomination. During the World’s Fair in St. Louis more people 
visited the chapel car than any other exhibit in the transportation building 
save one. On one day more than ten thousand six hundred people visited 
the car, and during the season more than thirty thousand persons registered 
their names, addresses, and religious denomination in the car. 

1. They attract people. No other cars on earth attract attention like 
chapel cars. No other cars are looked upon and commented about as 
chapel cars. The moment a train with one of these cars attached pulls 
into the depot some one reads aloud the name and the passage of Scrip- 
ture on the side of the car. Then every eye is fixed upon it and questions 
are asked and answers ventured by the crowd always present at the rail- 
road station. When the cars are in the railroad yards all hours of the 
day and night one can hear the name and passage of Scripture being read 
aloud by the workmen in passing. Many a person is reached, many a 
sinner is convicted, and many a soul led to know the love of Jesus through 
these messages shining from the sides of the cars in letters of gold. When 
the cars are side-tracked for services they attract the people. 

2. The cars command respect. They are modeled after the Pullman 
sleepers. The outside is painted anew about every five years. The outside 
is given two coats of varnish every year and is always kept clean and 
shining. The inside is finished in hard wood and is as beautiful as any 
private car on the road. The very beauty and cleanliness of the cars com- 
mand the respect and admiration of all who see them. Not only are the 
cars themselves respected, but the missionaries are respected because of 
them and many a time find their way into homes and hearts that could 


[ 108 ] 





A GROUP OF CONVERTS IN CONNECTION WITH CHAPEL-CAR MEETINGS 


At Petaluma, California 


us! bd iar . « 


= 


a 


he 





CONVEYANCES 





not be reached otherwise. The denomination is also respected for the 
equipment and ownership of these cars. 

3. The cars cause many places to realize the necessity of a place for 
worship. Many a town would have been a long time in building a house 
of worship, if the cars had not gone there. Church building is a perfectly 
natural part of chapel-car work, and they have already erected houses that 
in the aggregate cost more than $140,000. 

4. The method in managing them pursued by the Society has had much 
to do with their success. Wherever in history the words “chapel cars” 
shall appear, along with them will appear the name of Boston W. Smith, 
general manager. True to his title, his management of them has been in a 
general way. Wherever it has been possible the Society has cooperated with 
the State Convention in the work, and the direct management of the cars 
has been largely through a committee appointed by the State Mission Boards. 

5. Another great factor in the success of the cars has been the railroads. 
Too much cannot be said in commendation of the railroads that have 
through all these years stood so nobly by the work. Many are the general 
managers who esteem it a privilege to have one of these cars on their lines. 

6. Possibly the greatest factor in the success of the chapel cars has 
been the missionaries’ wives. Paul, in writing to the Philippians, took 
occasion to make honorable mention of certain women that labored with 
him and Clement in the gospel. If there is one class of persons more 
deserving of honor than another connected with chapel-car work it is 
these faithful, self-sacrificing women. It can be truly said of them they 
have “endured hardness as good soldiers of the cross.” 


60. Auto Chapel Cars 


There are no longer so many new railroads of great mile- 
age with numberless new churchless towns to be: occupied. 
But there are more new homesteads settled upon in the last 
fifteen years than in any other equal period since government 
records began. How can the innumerable new neighborhoods 
be commandingly provided with gospel ministry? As always 
colportage is the pioneering agency. Horses and wagons are 
too slow for our day. Our automobiles in colporter service 
are mostly sedan Fords. As the present historian knows by 
considerable recent experience they are too cramped for a six- 
foot missionary and an adequate supply of literature with 
camping outfit. 

The auto chapel car is the solution of all these converging 
problems. In 1923 the solution was provided. This crown- 


[ 109 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








ing conveyance of our one hundred years is described as 
tollows in the Annual Report of the Board: 


The American Baptist Publication Society has just purchased from the 
White Company of. Cleveland, Ohio, and placed in active service, a new 
type Model 50 chassis, with a special transcontinental home touring body, 
to be used in missionary work among the Mexicans in California and 
Arizona. This initial car is the first of a large number of such models 
which will be set apart for evangelistic work along the highways of the 
country. It has been disclosed in an exhaustive study that the new chapel 
car auto will reach the small out-of-the-way hamlets and small towns 
often many miles removed from transportation facilities, and it is felt the 
specially constructed, long wheel-base truck of well-known quality will 
fill a long-felt necessity. This chapel car auto has several of the most 
important features essential to such conditions as may arise in the per- 
formance of many miles of various road conditions. 

It has a 50 horse-power unit power plant, a wheel-base of 198, extra long 
and flexible springs, a low center of gravity, a stream-line in bonnet and 
body. The long wheel-base enables the mounting without excessive over- 
hanging of a body designed to look correctly proportioned, and the long 
and flexible springs, the low center of gravity, and the long wheel-base 
combine to make riding easy. To give the maximum of service and so as 
to avoid all worries of. tire trouble, Overman cushion tires have been 
used throughout and are adapted for urban or interurban work. The car 
is also equipped with a 12-volt Leece-Neville starting and lighting system, 
and the interior is lighted with six 4 candle-power lights from the 
battery. The body, specially designed by the Brown Body Corporation, 
of Cleveland, Ohio, is the last word in furnishings and equipment. A 
missionary and his wife have everything at their convenience to make life 
comfortable and their work effective as they travel from place to place. 
It is water-proof in that it has a specially constructed roof and Pullman- 


tight windows. On the outside of the body are the names of the two. 


societies cooperating in the work—“ The American Baptist Publication 
Society” and “The American Baptist Home Mission Society.” There is 
a Scripture passage in English, “ The Seed is the Word of God.” On the 
central panel of the car the words in Spanish, Carro Capilla Mexicano, 
and a Scripture verse in Spanish—“ By grace are ye saved through faith, 
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” On the opposite side of 
the car there is another verse in Spanish—“ The wages of sin is death, 
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

The interior equipment and furnishings consist of a driver’s seat for 
two people, a 50-gallon fresh-water tank and waste, a wardrobe and book- 
case built right into the frame, a couch heavily trimmed (convertible at 
night into a double bed) and covered with imitation leather, drawers for 


{ 110 ] 





CHAPEL CAR AUTO No. 1 


“Crawford Memorial ” 


ein she ieee hy, eee 
Ut iH eth 7 


ue rl i Hi Aa Lie Pye . ‘- 4 


‘ ‘ ry 
| 7 A 








CONVEYANCES 


linen, etc., an awning over the rear platform which is used for preaching 
purposes, a washroom and toilet, also a three-burner gas-stove, and a 
folding-table. The rear section is so constructed as to be convertible from 
a bedroom during the night to a reception-room during the day, and is 
furnished with wicker chairs and furniture. 

A specially constructed tent is a part of the auto equipment, the tent 
being so arranged that the rear of the chapel car auto, with its pulpit plat- 
form, can be backed into the end of the tent and become the pulpit plat- 
form inside the tent. The tent itself is 16 by 30 feet and will accommodate 
a congregation of about one hundred people. It is equipped with an 
Estey pulpit organ (the gift of the Estey Organ Company, Brattleboro, 
Vt.) collapsible chairs, a Coleman lantern lighting system (the gift of the 
W. C. Coleman Lighting Company, Wichita, Kansas), and every modern 
and up-to-date convenience for the work of evangelism in isolated and 
needed places. A trailer is a part of the auto equipment. This will be 
used for carrying the tent, chairs, etc. The car will be known as 
“Chapel Car Auto No. 1, Crawford Memorial.” The funds for its 
construction, as well as for its upkeep, and the maintenance of the work, 
were given by Mrs. Effie M. Crawford, of Santa Ana, California, as a 
memorial to her deceased husband, Mr. Will V. Crawford. The car, with 
its complete equipment, cost about $9,000. 

There is considerable enthusiasm over our new chapel car auto. Already 
the seal of God has been placed upon the ministry of its missionaries in 
the conversion of souls. It is suggested that we endeavor to build four 
more as memorials to men of honored memory: One in the Western field 
as a memorial to Rev. C. A. Wooddy, D. D.; one in New York State as 
a memorial to the Rev. H. L. Morehouse, D. D.; one in New England as a 
memorial to the Rev. C. H. Spalding, D. D.; one in the Atlantic States as 
a memorial to Honorable Ernest L. Tustin. 


61. What Next? 


In 1824 there was not a mile of railway in the United States. 
In 1924 there are more than two hundred and seventy thousand 
miles. 

Before its second century is far advanced our Society for 
the diffusion of light may employ the airplane and the radio, 
but it starts out with a conveyance which is not likely to be 
wholly superseded as long as personal presence and pastoral 
work are needed by human souls. The auto chapel car in 
varied sizes is likely to perpetuate the very essence of the 
original neck-portage. 


Tignes 


VII 


So INE ray sen Gee ey te) tas 


The other great means of getting the published light into 


the hearts and lives of the people, as specified in the charter 
of The American Baptist Publication Society, is “ Sunday 
schools.”’ 7 


62. Adopting this New Notion 


The prospectus of the Society in 1824, in speaking of pos- 
sible distributing agencies, said : 


Sabbath schools are particularly calculated to give circulation to tracts. 
These may be distributed as rewards to the scholars and thus they will 
probably be read by the scholars themselves and by their parents. 


Thus at the very beginning, though primarily a tract society, 
it undertook to stimulate Sunday-school efficiency and to pro- 
mote thereby religious education in both young and old. This 
is emphasized in the first annual report of the Board of 
Directors in terms which show that the original purpose of 
Sunday schools to provide the rudiments of general education 
was still in the ascendancy along with its newer ethical and 
spiritual aims. 


Sabbath schools, in the first place, train the youthful mind to the best 
habits, while they impart the ability and inspire the disposition to read. 
A new faculty is thus created, and a new avenue to the heart is thus 
opened. 


There were Baptist Sunday schools in Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania before 1800. The first in 
Philadelphia was organized September 21, 1815, at the First 
Church; in Boston, June, 1816, at the Charles Street Church. 
The following from the “Latter Day Luminary,” of July, 


[ 112 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


1824, written quite likely by one of our founders, shows, in any 
case, the information and ideals which were current among 
them, when they were creating The General Tract Society for 
a different but kindred purpose: 


Sabbath Schools. The rapid increase of Sabbath schools is delightful 
to the pious heart, as it is auspicious to the cause of godliness. In May, 
1823, Great Britain and Ireland numbered 7,172 of these pious institutions, 
in which the teachers amounted to 77,275 and the scholars to 764,391. 

The number of schools in the United States is not precisely known; but 
it is gratifying to learn that at the last Annual Meeting of the Philadelphia 
Sunday and Adult Social Union, a National Society was formed under the 
title of “The American Sunday School Union.” Through this Society 
information respecting the schools of our country will be concentrated, 
and we may look forward to a period not far distant, when accurate 
enumeration will be given of the effective force of these praise-ordained 
establishments. 

The Seventh Annual Report of the Philadelphia Sunday and Adult 
School Union states the number of schools 723, teachers 7,337; and scholars 
48,681 attached to the Union. Two hundred of these schools have been 
added during the past year. 

The Sunday school properly conducted is the greatest and most success- 
ful opponent of the Prince of darkness. It strikes at the bud of trans- 
gression, and foils Satan in the very point where he has been accustomed 
to triumph with alarming success. 

Let these schools be cherished, let them be increased; soon the solitary 
place shall be glad for them, and the wilderness shall blossom as the rose. 


Many Baptist Sunday schools had been established both 
East and West before 1824. But it was still one of the quite 
“modern ”’ devices in which the enterprising, educated young 
men who created the General Tract Society heartily believed. 
In that same first report they admit that such new-fangled 
notions as Sunday schools and Bible and missionary societies 
are not acceptable to all. 

“The leading designs which a portion of the denomination 
are laboring to effect, are regarded by other portions with in- 
difference and disapprobation.”” The modernists of one cen- 
tury are the conservatives of the next. There are just enough 
left-overs to be amusing—if they were not so pathetic. At 
the end of the second decade of the twentieth century the 


[113 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








writer found in the Catskill mountains of New York some 
Baptists with churches and associations of churches who still 
think that Sunday schools and missionary societies are wicked 
innovations. It was in these very mountains that John Mason 
Peck was baptized. He soon started West and in 1819 organ- 
ized the first Sunday school west of the Great Lakes. It was 
at Clareton, Missouri. It became auxiliary to the Phila- 
delphia Sunday and Adult School Union, organized 1817, 
which was the progenitor of the American Sunday School 
Union, organized 1824. That great secretary of the Publi- 
cation Society later was, years before its organization as well 
as after, pioneering Sunday schools along with Bible societies 
and every other forward-moving measure. It was not with- 
out much opposition in the West as well as the East that the 
Sunday-school cause advanced. Dr. Justin A. Smith, so long 
editor of “ The Standard,” in his charming “ History of the 


b] 


Baptists in Western States,” says: 

Particular mention should be made of Rev. Lewis Morgan, father of 
Dr. J. T. Morgan, secretary of The American Baptist Home Mission 
Society. In a letter dated at Brandywine, Indiana, April 10, 1834, 
addressed to Doctor Going, and accepting an appointment as missionary 
of that society, we find him speaking of 2 Sunday school of one hundred 
scholars and “a respectable Bible class, well organized” by Rev. Ezra 
Fisher, pastor of the Baptist church at Indianapolis. The emphatic men- 
tion so made, implies something at least worthy of remark in the circum- 
stance; and it no doubt was so. A letter written two or three months later, 
in the same year, speaks of some “association” as “ prohibiting the 
churches founding anything in support of the gospel; at least from join- 
ing missionary societies,” and it is well known that alike in Indiana, Illinois, 
and Ohio, Sunday schools came under the same condemnation. “If,” says 
Mr. Morgan, “some pious Baptist laymen, capable of teaching, were to 
emigrate to our State, it would aid us much in the cause of education, and 
particularly in the Sunday-school cause. That cause is gaining in our 
denomination.” 


As early as 1830, the last year of the service of Noah Davis 
as General Agent, we find these pregnant suggestions in “ The 
Baptist Tract and Youth’s Magazine ’’—note the second part 
of that title: | 


[ 114 | 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


On.the minutes of the New Jersey, Warren, Boston, Salem, Salisbury, 
N. H., and Georgia Associations we find a request that their churches 
inform them annually in their letters how many Sabbath schools they have 
in operation, and how many teachers and scholars there are connected with 
each; also how many volumes the library of each contains. In several 
instances they have added columns to the table on the minutes and placed 
the results of this inquiry opposite the names of the churches. If this 
plan should be universally adopted we shall be able to make up an annual 
account of the whole number of Sabbath schools, teachers, and scholars 
connected with the Baptist churches in the United States. This would 
be a very interesting and important item of intelligence. The time may 
come when the number of schools in our denomination will be so great 
as to require the Tract Society to publish a series of Sabbath-school 
books, suited to their wants. 

We have been compelled to leave the Youth’s Department out of this 
number of our work. In future it will be enlarged to twelve pages, and 
form the first half of the Magazine. A number of copies (as many as 
shall. be called for) will be printed separate from the Tract Department, 
and put up in covers by themselves under the title of ‘The Parent’s Gift, 
or Youth’s Magazine,” and furnished to subscribers at twenty-five cents a 
year. We hope that by this expedient the usefulness of the publication 
will be much extended. 


In 1832 the idea of the formation of a Sunday school union 
was in the mind of Ira M. Allen, at that time Agent of the 
Baptist General Tract Society. Writing under date of April 
fetos2eto rion. jesse’L. Holman, of Aurora, Indi, he uses 
these words: 


I should like to know your views as to the desirableness and feasibility 
of having a Baptist Sunday School Union for the United States. It is an 
object which I have long thought desirable; and one which I believe might 
be easily accomplished. 

As it is, a part of the truth of God is excluded from all the S. S. books 
published by the A. Union, which furnish the principal reading for hun- 
dreds of thousands of youth throughout the land. And we, as a denomi- 
nation, have not a single book for Sunday Schools, containing our dis- 
tinguishing sentiments. Now, if these distinguishing sentiments were 
unimportant, as many affirm, it were no great matter whether we had 
Baptist S. S. books or not. But the inference which the youth in the 
Sunday Schools will naturally draw, is that Baptist sentiments are 
unimportant. This being the case it follows that they are liable to 
embrace the errors of sprinkling, infant baptism, etc. Thus our influence 
is weakened. Our sentiments are neutralized. I see a direct tendency in 


[115] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


most of the amalgamations proposed to us by our Pedobaptist brethren to 
neutralize Baptist influence and sentiment. I see such to be the actual 
result. It is demonstrated. I am not alone in these views. Many see 
these things as I do. Others are yet in the dark. 


It would be informing to have at hand all the correspon- 
dence and reports of all the conversations that took place 
concerning this matter. That General Agent Allen was right 
in saying that he was “ not alone in these views’ is shown in 
the action of the Triennial Convention at Richmond, Va., in 
1835, which adopted the following resolutions: 

1. That it is expedient, and the time has arrived, to have a Society to 


publish and circulate valuable books, particularly of a denominational 
character, for family use, Sunday schools, etc. 


2. That the Baptist General Tract Society be requested so to alter its 
constitution, and change its operations, as to include such publications; 
and that the publication of books and tracts by the Society should be 
confined chiefly to such as set forth the peculiar, and, as they are believed 
to be, Scriptural principles of the denomination. 


Not lack of vision on the part of officers of the Society, nor 
yet lack of denominational authorization, but lack of funds 
was the deterrent, much deplored, which confined the Tract 
Society so much to its tract work during the first sixteen 
years of its service. 


63. Attempted Expansion 


It was ten years more, however, before these foretokens by 
the founders came to complete definition. The final harbinger 
of the new day was another of the Columbian College group 
who had created the Society, Baron Stow, now at the height 
of his great career as a pastor in Boston. He had recently 
preached the sermon from the text, “ Boast not thyself of 
tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth,” 
to which no fewer than one hundred people attributed their 
conversion. At the annual meeting of our Society held at the 
First Church, Philadelphia, in 1830, 


[ 116 ] 


ee ep then Behn om 


fx f Be Bop he 





J Corre Ce — Ce 4. 
fee eee het VL. nee 
0 ee 
oe LZ hfe Line Cla € Cae 
iy he ce A 
| fen Le, SF. 4 bsp eer 
ee ee La, a, 
| oe ea Foe (pre, ie 
ee ee. A 
othe brik 4d be pee 
ac iy Le fra. Co here re Le le 


ae aes Sto puck ec Melee Ye ee 
: : Oe a Fae Ce eee 








LETTER FROM I. M. ALLEN TO JESSE L. HOLMAN 
Advocating a Baptist Sunday School Union 














”: _ tees ’ 7 i. On) 
? PE ek AL bude Li 
hh age ns Wiis Cl oe ee 
7 oe inte My st Fe ee 
j b vt ne 
: ‘a4 Fa 7 } 
Ly 
+ 
iy. ' 
Ni 
.] ; 
J 
Phebe #42 
ly 
r } 
a Pt 
tii eg 
: ' 
‘ 
| 
; - 
i 
i 
. 8 
on 
&S 
Fb he 
z 
eats 
vit 
: “ 
i 
1 
‘ 
: ~ 
2t % 
ia 
‘ 
i 
‘ 
! ; ; 
i - 
a 
i 
{ 
e at ; 
| . 
uv i a ; 
a 
« \ a 
¥ 
‘ vy. | i * 
: : q 
, he i ae 
o aa 
i + 
“ eS 
: a 4 ’ ; 
BY bans 
a ; ; 
Lor d 
’ 
, - 
- 
4 @ 
o At r 
aT 2 ri 
\ j ; 
Pt, ain 
$< 7 
=u" rT ; 1 
, . +m) 





SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


Brother B. Stow of Boston, offered the following resolution: Resolved, 
That the enlargement of operations proposed in the Report this evening 
read, be approved by the Society, and the Board be instructed to carry it 
into effect as early as possible. He adverted with peculiar feelings to the 
origin of the Society: the honored names of Davis, Knowles, Staughton, 
and Reynolds, were engaged in it. They were all there then—but fifteen 
years have passed away, and all these are gone! Only the brother who 
first spoke and himself were now here, of all its founders! He then spoke 
of the good effects of several tracts, naming particularly, ‘Cone, on the 
Terms of Communion,” “ Pengilly, on Baptism,’ “ Making Light of 
Christ,” “ Salvation by Grace.” He had known many cases in which these 
publications had guided the inquiring, or awakened the careless, or saved 
from error in doctrine, immortal souls. He alluded to an expression in 
the Report, and wished it more strong and clear in the declaration of the 
full extent of our obligations. He liked the word enlargement, in the 
resolution which he had now offered. Having assisted in rocking the 
cradle of the Society in its infancy, he felt a very strong desire to see and 
to aid it now in assuming the manly attitude of mature years. 


This popular preacher voiced a wide-spreading desire. The 
same year the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention 
adopted a resolution in favor of the organization of an 
American Baptist Sabbath School Union. 

The new day of enlargement was actually ushered in by the 
enterprise of the Hudson River Association, which called a 
special convention for the purpose. It marks such an epoch 
in our history that the whole account of this meeting, and of 
the Society’s action upon receipt of it, should be given as 
recorded in the annual report of 1840: 

Agreeably to notice, a meeting was held in the meeting-house of the 
Oliver Street Baptist Church, N. Y., Wednesday, at half past eight o’clock, 
A. M., April 29, 1840. J. E. Welch, of Burlington, N. J., was called to the 
chair, and A. D. Gillette, of Philadelphia, appointed secretary. The chair- 
man opened the meeting with prayer. C. G. Sommers then read a circular, 
addressed to the denomination throughout the United States, over the 
signatures of C. G. Sommers, of New York, B. T. Welch, of Albany, and 
B. M. Hill, of Troy, as a committee appointed by the Hudson River Bap- 
tist Association at its session in June, 1839, the object of which was to 
have the several delegates who should attend the anniversaries held in 
the City of New York, come prepared to deliberate on the propriety of 


forming a society for the publication of such literature as the wants of 
the denomination, and the cause of the Redeemer, might demand. Re- 


[hi] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








solved, That all brethren, present, be considered as delegates to this Con- 
vention. A letter was read by C. G. Sommers from W. B. Johnson, of 
South Carolina, expressing a cordial approval of the suggestions in the 
Circular, and wishing the proposed plan to be carried into execution. The 
Convention was also addressed by several of the brethren, present, approv- 
ing the formation of a Publication Society. 

“ Resolved, That the following brethren be the Committee: E. R. Warren, 
Me.; G. B. Smith, N. H.; J. W. Sawyer, Vt.; E. Thresher, Me.; M. M. 
Dean, R.\L + A: Parker; Conn.; C..G. Sommers,N, Y.>: Ma) akhecs Nee 
G. B. Ide; Pa.; G. J; Carleton, Del.: GF, Adams, Md:;-J-\B* PayloravVae 
G, Binney, Ga; J. L. Waller, Ky.;..G. Bartlett, .1115;—J. Malléry3Msen.- 
BaGoolk. ica, 

“Resolved, That the chairman, J. E. Welch, be added to the Committee. 

“Adjourned to meet at 8 o’clock, tomorrow morning, in the meeting- 
house of the Tabernacle Baptist Church. 


Thursday, 8 o’clock, A. M., April 30. 


“Agreeably to appointment, the chairman presiding, called on G. F. 
Adams, of Baltimore, to engage in prayer. 

“The minutes of yesterday were read and approved. 

“The Committee, appointed to report this morning made the following, 
which was accepted: 


“The Committee, to whom was referred the subject of considering the 


propriety of forming a General Publication Society, would report to this 
Convention as the result of their deliberations, the following: 


“1. Resolved, That this Convention regard it as desirable that the Baptist 
General Tract Society so far change its character, as to adapt it to the 
purposes of an American and Foreign Publication Society. 


“2. Resolved, That this Convention deem it desirable, that a union be 
formed between this Society and the New-England Sabbath School Union. 
“3. Resolved, That a subcommittee be appointed to prepare a constitu- 
tion to present to the Convention tomorrow morning. 
“ After much deliberation and a free interchange of opinion, it was 
“ Resolved, That the first resolution, presented by the Committee, be so 
amended as to read as follows: That this Convention regard it as desirable 
that the Baptist General Tract Society so far change its character, as to 
adapt it to the purposes of a General Publication Society. 
“ Resolved, That the report of the Committee, as thus amended, be now 
adopted. 
“ Resolved, That the proceedings of this Convention be reported to the 
Baptist General Tract Society. ° 
“C, E. Welch, Chairman, 
“A. D. Gillette, Secretary.” 


[ 118 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 





Resolved, That the report just read be adopted. 

Resolved, That the Constitution, to which reference is had in the third 
resolution of the report from the Convention be now read. Brother C. G. 
Sommers then read the proposed Constitution, whereupon it was, 

Resolved, That the Constitution just read, be considered, article by article. 

Adjourned to meet at 3 o'clock, P. M. 

Benediction by the President. 


Thursday, 3 o'clock, P. M., April 30. 


Met agreeably to adjournment. Prayer by D. Dodge of Philadelphia. 


Resolved, That the Constitution of the Baptist General Tract Society 
be so amended as to read as follows: 


ArTICLE 1. The name of this Society shall be The American Baptist 
Publication and Sunday School Society. Its objects shall be, to publish 
such books as are needed by the Baptist denomination, and to promote 
Sunday schools by such measures as experience may prove expedient. 
[For the entire constitution, see the Tabular Supplement. | 


The high hopes of the new day are well reflected in the 
report of 1841: 


The resolution of the Hudson River Association, which has been re- 
sponded to by very many of the Associations in different parts of our 
country, expresses the feelings of the denomination, so far as it it has been 
elicited on this subject. It is as follows: 


“ Resolved, That this Association regard the recent formation of The 
American Baptist Publication and Sunday School Society as an event in 
the history of our denomination, calling for devout acknowledgment to 
the God of all Grace. That in the entire unanimity with which the measure 
was adopted, the judicious selection made in regard to the permanent loca- 
tion of the Society, and the character of the brethren entrusted with the 
management of its affairs, we find a sure guarantee of its rapid growth 
and extensive usefulness; and we fondly cherish the hope that it will ere 
long enjoy a share in the sympathies, prayers, and contributions of our 
churches, on a footing of equality with our Bible and Missionary Societies.” 


Some actual realization of the enlarged scope of the Society 
is shown by the catalog which adds to the publications of the 
Society itself a select list of “ valuable publications kept for 
sale at the Depository,” including a considerable number on 
missions and on church history. Items bearing especially on 


[ 119 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








the Sunday-school work are “ Ripley’s Notes on the Gospels,” 


“ Malcom’s Bible Dictionary,” “ Hague’s Guide to Conversa- 


tion on the New Testament,” ‘ Lincoln’s Sabbath School 
Class Book,” ‘ Lincoln’s Scripture Questions.” Especially 
significant are two periodicals listed, “‘ The Sabbath School 
Treasury,” published monthly by the New England Sabbath 
School Union, at fifty cents a year, and “ The Sunday School 
Gleaner,’ a monthly magazine for Sunday-school children, 
twenty-five cents a year. 

The new constitutional purpose of the Society, “ To pub- 
lish such books as are needed by the Baptist Denomination and 
to promote Sunday schools by such measures as experience 
may prove to be expedient,”’ was interpreted by the Board in 

1843, as follows, “ It may be stated in other words, ‘ To pro- 
vide and put in circulation, a Sunday-school and general litera- 
ture for the denomination.’ 

The next year the constitution was amended as follows— 
“Strike out the words ‘ Sunday School’ in the first article, to 
shorten the name and not to lessen the objects of the Society.” 
The same year (1844) the interpretation of the previous year 
was considerably enlarged, so as to stand: 


The encouragement of Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes, and supplying 
them with small libraries, is in itself an object worthy the united effort 
of the denomination. The plan of operations of the Society, if carried out 
as it should be, will increase the number and efficiency of Sabbath schools 
in the Western Valley, to an interesting extent. 


64. Sunday-school Books and Libraries 


The hand of the new secretary, John Mason Peck, is quite 
visible here. But even his phenomenal efficiency in missionary 
measures of all kinds did not carry the Society very far toward 
the modern goals of religious education. For years its chief 
activities as a Sunday-school Society were in providing books 
and libraries for the schools, beginning in 1845. By 1850 the 
number of “ libraries granted ”’ to Sunday schools was sixteen. 


[ 120 ] 





COVER-PAGE OF “THE SABBATH-SCHOOL GLEANER ” 
September, 1841 


tm. 
ile sa & 
Na ean 
Pit { 
ia 
ee 





fs é 
: ee hae 
‘ Lee 
ute * 
A f Lee | | 
> : : i ry} 3 . | 
| ‘ 2 i) ithe 
- ui 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


It is common now to disparage the quality of the “* Sunday- 
school books ” of those days. Public libraries were almost un- 
known and private libraries were extremely scarce. The Sun- 
day schools filled a great want in providing reading matter of 
a morally clean kind. Much of it would not be counted whole- 
some now because it enlarged so much on personal feelings and 
traits of precocious character supposed to fit children for 
heaven. But an examination of the catalogs shows that a 
surprisingly large fraction was given to books of real instruc- 
tion in the Bible and in Christian living. Take a few samples 
from the announcements in the early “ fifties”: 


“The Sting of the Adder; or, The History of the Stanley Family.” By 
Jennie Dowling De Witt. This is a tale of truth, admirably told, exempli- 
fying in the most touching manner the evils of intemperance. It traces its 
insidious progress from the earliest taste of the wine cup offered by a 
mother’s hand, to its fatal terminations in inebriety and death—blighting 
forever the beautiful promise of youth, talent, education, and position, 
and reducing a once lofty and happy family to the very depths of degrada- 
tion, misery, and ruin. Every family in the land might read it to advantage, 
and lay to heart its terrible examples of warning. Its truly Christian 
character is one of its chief points of exccllence. 


“ Missionary Converts in Heathen Lands.” By Uncle Josephus. “ Thril- 
ling Facts from Missionary Fields.” By Uncle Josephus. “ Curiosities of 
Christian Missions.’ By Uncle Josephus. Three valuable books, from the 
pen of the same author or rather compiler, designed to awaken and cherish 
in the young an interest in Christian Missions. The facts are well selected, 
from a wide field in place and history, without regard to denominations. 
These facts, no less than the striking pictures by which they are illustrated 
and embellished, must powerfully tend to produce the designed effect, 
especially upon the children in our Sabbath schools. 


“ Missionary Gems for the Young.’ ‘This is a new and rich collection 
of authentic anecdotes, exemplifying in an immense variety of forms, the 
spirit, the incidents, and fruits of modern missions to the heathen, in dif- 
ferent parts of the earth. 


“The Schoolmaster: or, Conversations on the Beatitudes.” By Aunt 
Abbie. This is the first Sunday-school book we remember to have seen, 
designed to illustrate the Beatitudes, which form the first part of the 
Sermon on the Mount, and lie at the very foundation of Christian char- 
acter. The design is accomplished in the happiest manner by a series of 
natural stories and conversations. The stories are mainly founded on facts. 


[ 121] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


The style is terse, easy, and animated. The author’s long experience in 
Sunday-school teaching has led her to the best mode of winning the atten- 
tion of the young. Few books are more eminently fitted for usefulness 
in Sunday schools. 


“The Sabbath School Harp.’ This is the new hymn-book for Sunday 
schools, announced in our last Report as preparing for publication. It 
grew out of the obvious want of adaptation of a large portion of the 
hymns in common use, to the condition, capacities, and wants of the young. 
This was found to be the fact with every publication of the kind in the 
country. It was believed by many that something greatly superior in this 
respect could be prepared; and from this belief originated the appoint- 
ment of a committee by our Board, to prepare a new book on the principle 
of strict adaptation to the use of the young in Sabbath schools. This col- 
lection has been made from the widest accessible mass of materials—includ- 
ing every book of the kind known to exist in England and America. It 
has been not only selected, but arranged with the utmost care, on a new 
plan; and it is not too much to say, that whatever slight defects may be dis- 
covered in it, it really embraces more beautiful Christian hymns, written 
expressly for children and youth, and especially for those attending Sab- 
bath schools, than any other book in the language. It is neatly printed and 
bound, and is offered at the lowest possible price, six cehts a copy. It 
will, we think, well repay the slight cost of introducing it into all our 
Baptist Sabbath schools. 


Great numbers of books of that type were provided. No 
wonder that good men and women were nurtured in Baptist 
Sunday schools of those days. 

The record of increasing service in 1853 is significant : 


The Sunday School Department has received an unusual share of atten- 
tion and labor during the year. The Society at its last Anniversary com- 
mended this department as worthy of special care, and the Board have 
not failed to keep the admonition in constant remembrance. Thirty-six 
new volumes have been added to the catalogue of Sunday-school books 
within the year, making as large a number of publications for Sunday 
schools during this single year, as during the whole previous period of 
the Society’s existence. The general appearance of the volumes has 
been also greatly improved. The services of an eminent engraver are 
permanently secured, and the increased beauty and attractiveness thus 
imparted to the Sunday-school issues will doubtless be followed by a 
liberal increase of sales. A five dollar library of fifty volumes is in 
course of preparation, and will be found on the shelves of the Depository 
before the close of the present month. Such a library has been long and 
urgently called for. 


[ 122 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


Increasing attention was given to gathering Sunday-school 
statistics, insisting that they become a part of regular asso- 
ciational tables. | 

The high aims of the Sunday schools are shown in the fol- 
lowing record: 


It has been the constant aim of the Board (1855) to procure and publish 
new books, suitable for the use of Sunday schools. The importance attach- 
ing to this class of books, as giving tone, habit, and taste to the youthful 
mind that may outlast life itself, and the danger of filling our Sunday- 
school libraries with books of an equivocal or pernicious tendency, has had 
great weight in judging of manuscripts that have come before us—nearly 
one-half of those offered during the year having been declined, even where 
not wanting altogether in literary merit. 

To qualify us the better to judge what particular work we should seek 
to multiply, our Editor, by direction of the Publication Committee, has 
made an analysis of the works we already have on hand, referring them 
to their specific subjects, so that our future issues may be judiciously 
chosen. It is pleasing: to contemplate the number and variety of excellent 
books in this department we have been able to publish already, especially 
within the last four years, in all amounting to about 120 volumes; yet we 
wish to set no limits to the production, as there can be none to the demand. 
Sunday-school books are called for so rapidly and extensively, that unless 
a supply of good ones is kept up, bad ones will inevitably be introduced 
into our schools, and corrupt the youthful mind at its entrance into life, 
thus adding new perils and snares, where it needs every possible precau- 
tion and protection, guidance and motive, in its path to immortality. 


65. An Original Source 


A new era was inaugurated in 1856, when the ideals of 1840 
came much nearer than before to gaining actual embodiment, 
and the course of more or less steady development in Sunday- 
school work began which was to reach such great dimensions 
by 1924. 

The Mississippi is the longest river in the world because of 
its great tributary, the Missouri. It is an indispensable part 
of the history of the Publication Society, especially in its re- 
ligious education stream, to observe the rise and course of the 
New England Sabbath School Union. The promotion of 
Sunday-school work throughout the country had been carried 


[ 123 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








on by that Baptist organization for twenty years, commanding 
wide appreciation. For eleven years before that it had State 
organization, and for nearly ten years before that city organi- 
zation, so that the fountain-head of the continuous current 
had its springs in Boston about 1816, forty years before this 
eastern Missouri joined our great Mississippi. The story has 
never been told. Our centennial demands it. It has to be 
pieced together from widely scattered original documents. A 
bare outline follows. Its future historian will find clues in 
the Bibliography of the present volume. 

In 1816 the wife of the famous pastor of the Charles Street 
Baptist Church, Boston, and promoter of education and mis- 
sions, Mrs. Daniel Sharp, returned from a visit to New York 
City where Sunday schools had just been started, and organ- 
ized them in Boston. A committee of two ministers and six 
laymen was at once created to promote the increase and the 
quality of Sunday-school work. This first Baptist Sunday- 
school society in America is memorable. 


On the 29th of October, 1817, a general meeting at the Second Baptist 
meeting-house in Back Street, at 3 o’clock, p. m. The children and teach- 
ers assembled to the number of 400. The services commenced by singing. 
Doctor Baldwin addressed the throne of grace. The Rev. Mr. Sharp 
delivered an address. While the collection was taken up, the children and 
teachers united in singing their anniversary hymn. Mr. E. Lincoln closed 
with prayer, and Mr. Sharp dismissed the people. The assembly was 
large, and appeared to be much impressed with what they had seen and 
heard. The singing of the children was peculiarly moving. Many eyes 
were suffused with tears, to hear them lift their infant voices in perfect 
harmony with their teachers, in expressions of gratitude and praise to the 
Father of mercies. 

As the support of these schools is attended with considerable expense, 
as well as labor, the committee indulge the hope that the people of this 
town will not be backward in aiding them with their subscriptions. For 
the information of some it may be proper to observe, that there are as 
many societies as there are schools, and each school is under the direction 
of a separate Board of Managers, consisting of three or more directors 
or directresses, and as many teachers as the number of children requires. 
The Union Committee is composed of delegates from each of these male 
societies, and superintend generally the concerns of the schools, and adopt 


[ 124 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 








any measure for their prosperity, not interfering with the rights of the 
several Boards, from whom they receive their appointment, and a state- 
ment of the schools. 


66. The Massachusetts Sabbath School Union 


The need of a State organization was felt, and it was 
formed May 25, 1825, as the Massachusetts Sabbath School 
Union. Those were days of cooperation, and it was com- 
posed of both Baptists and Congregationalists. Methodist and 
Protestant Episcopalians were invited but did not join. Its 
first annual report shows that one hundred years ago Sunday- 
school leaders were providing carefully selected lesson courses 
and advocating progressive measures. 

Marked events took place in 1828. A Publishing Com- 
mittee was appointed “to publish a Sabbath-school periodical 
and such other works as they might think best.” In July 
appeared the first number of “ The Sabbath School Treasury,” 
our first Sunday-school periodical. Fora quarter of a century 
it greatly furthered the Sunday-school cause. ‘Twenty bound 
volumes of it are in the Backus and Newton libraries. That 
year nine new Sunday-school library books were published. 
By the next year it was believed that a Sunday school had been 
established in nearly every church in the State, and it was 
declared that chief stress must now be laid on improving the 
character of the schools. ‘The depository of the Union need- 
ing “larger quarters,’ was removed to rooms in the Federal 
Street Baptist Church. In 1830 the Union sent a representa- 
tive to Illinois and appropriated money to help the cause 
there. 

The Congregationalists withdrew in 1832. It was a wholly 
amicable separation, made after careful committee study and 
recommendation, with a view to securing closer contacts with 
the schools and greater efficiency. As an eminent Congrega- 
tionalist, Doctor Edwards, said, ‘‘ It seemed that the Union, 
though nominally divided, was really doubled.” The name 


[125] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


of the organization and its periodicals were assigned to the 
Baptists with one-third of the other assets. 

Let the following records from the first and last annual! 
reports of the Massachusetts Sabbath School Association as a 
two-denomination organization serve as samples of our part 
hae ghee 

1826. Male Sabbath School in Charles Street, connected with the Third 
Baptist Church under the pastoral care of Rev. Daniel Sharp, contains 
110 boys under the care of 8 male teachers. Since the commencement 
of this school in 1816 there have been connected with it at different times 
620 boys, under the care of 12 directors and 70 teachers, 14 of whom 
became professors of religion subsequently to their connection with the 
school, and 6 of the number have been licensed to preach the gospel; 3 of 


them are settled in the ministry. We have a library of upward of 156 
books which are much read by the children. 


1831. Westfield Baptist Association. At the last session of this Asso- 
ciation, which was held in Springfield, this body resolved itself into a 
Sabbath School Union. <A _ selection of lessons was presented to us, 
approved and ordered to be printed and distributed. These have been 
used by the schools generally, and it is believed with good acceptance. 


All the churches in this Association have Sabbath schools excepting two, 
both of which once had schools, and it is fondly hoped will soon revive 
them. They all have libraries for their schools, but some are small. “ Our 
library,’ says one church, “is of the first importance, without which little 
indeed would be effected.” Five schools continued their operations through 
the winter with good attendance. There are also eight Bible classes, some 
of which are composed of adults. Would that the young men of the 
churches might turn their thoughts to the vast valley of the Mississippi 
and prepare themselves as teachers of common schools and select schools 
and Sabbath schools. Rev. Mr. Bullard, agent of the Massachusetts S. S. 
Union moved the acceptance of this report, and Brother Going seconded 
the motion with pertinent remarks. 


The first report after the Massachusetts Sabbath School 
Union became wholly Baptist said, “So far at least as this 
Society is concerned they can say, not as one said when the 
separation took place, ‘ The Union though nominally divided 
seems to be doubled,’ but is doubled.” It was left by the 
separation with a stock of about $5,000 and a capital of 
$2,000. About $1,000 was added to the capital during the 


[ 126 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


year. lhe State Union became active in promoting Associa- 
tional unions, the officers of the Associations to be officers 
of the unions. Massachusetts Baptist Sunday-school libraries 
contained more than 30,000 volumes. The State Union pub- 
lished that year eight new books and approved 250 books by 
others. The “ Sabbath School Treasury ” had over 4,000 sub- 
scribers, nearly twice as many as before the separation. “ It 
is now circulated to some extent in every State in the Union.” 
The new Board expressed itself as more eager to promote 
efficiency than to establish new schools. 


67. The New England Sabbath School Union 


The foregoing is an inseparable part of our Centennial His- 
tory because the Massachusetts Sabbath School Union called 
into being and merged its chief undertakings into the New 
England Sabbath School Union. It is the great Madison 
source of our Missouri. The merger was in 1836, eleven 
years after its own organization and twenty years before the 
final merger in the Publication Society. The Eleventh An- 
nual Report of the Massachusetts Sabbath School Union, 1836 
—the fourth annual report after it had become entirely Bap- 
tist—gives minute details of its reconstruction as wholly Bap- 
tist in 1832 and of its expansion into the New England 
Sabbath School Union. Requests for help in Sunday-school 
work from all parts of the United States had multiplied to 
such an extent that more than one State was needed to mother 
the organization for the sake of all the States. By this time 
the other New England States had State Baptist Sabbath 
Boooole Unions... Rey.~)/ohn H.? Purkitt, Secretary -of the 
Massachusetts Sabbath School Union, went from State to 
State in New England showing the necessity and the demand 
for a strong Baptist publishing society in the interest of Sun- 
day schools throughout the whole denomination. The Massa- 
chusetts Sabbath School Union called a General Convention 
of the representatives of the New England Baptist Sabbath 


[ 127 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








School Unions to organize for national Sunday-school service. 
The American Baptist Home Mission Society had a repre- 
sentative present. 
As constituted at Lowell, Massachusetts, January 20, 1836, 
The object of this Union shall be the promotion of the general interests 
of Sabbath schools by providing means for the publication of suitable 


books, and for the prosecution of such other measures as may be deemed 
expedient. 


It was agreed that the Massachusetts Sabbath School Union, 
having at the time a stock balance of $1,918.19, and the New 
England Union should merge. Samuel S. Mallery, of Nor- 
wich, Connecticut, was chosen corresponding secretary. The 
plans and objects are given with considerable detail under the 
following heads: 

(1) To publish suitable books for Sabbath schools. (2) To circulate 
acceptable and valuable Sabbath-school books in New England, at the 
South, and in the West. (3) To improve and increase the permanency 


and efficiency of Sabbath schools where they already exist, and (4) to 
establish others wherever there are favorable locations which demand them. 


At the first annual meeting of the New England Sabbath 
School Union (1837) Dr. Jonathan Going, Corresponding 
Secretary of The American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
offered and spoke to the following: 


Resolved, That we regard the Sabbath School Institution as an instru- 
ment which, if rightly employed, will effectually counteract the influence 
of infidelity, arrest the progress of error, and save the youth of our land 
from becoming a generation of evil-doers. A large and attentive audience 
listened with much apparent satisfaction to the addresses of Messrs. 
Huckins, Porter, Howe, and Going. 


It was announced that 


A large assortment of Bibles, Testaments, Sunday-school hymn-books, 
question-books, cards for Sunday schools, helps for Sunday-school teachers, 
maps, etc., and a great variety of small unbound books for infant Sabbath 
schools were for sale at the Depository; also, an assortment of miscella- 
neous, moral and theological books, commentaries, ete. 


[ 128 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


The next year Hon. Nicholas Brown of Providence was 
President. The New England Sabbath School Union en- 
listed our great laymen and ministers. 


68. The Growing Tributary 


The vote of the special Convention of 1840 in New York 
that the Publication Society and the New England Union 
consolidate having failed of immediate execution, the fact that 
the two occupied the same field divided denominational inter- 
est. For example, the respective annual reports of 1843 show 
the income of the Publication Society from all sources to 
have been $9,906.04, including $1,371.16 for the building 
fund, employed as a loan, reducing the actual receipts to 
$8,553.30; and the income of the New England Union to 
have been $9,578.19. The accessible reports of publications 
that year are not stated in such a way as to make comparison 
possible, but they help us to some conception of the aggregate 
output up to that time of the two bodies which thirteen years 
later were to become one. “ The Baptist Tract Society, dur- 
ing the sixteen years of its operations, printed about 3,000,342 
tracts, including fifty-four million pages, making seven bound 
volumes of between 300 and 400 pages each.” ‘The Baptist 
New England Sabbath School Union said: 


The number of bound volumes issued the past year, 15,000; 36,000 copies 
of the S. S. Treasury have been published, and some minor aids to Sabbath- 
school instruction. Since its organization, the Union has published upward 
of 150,000 bound volumes, and about 300,000 copies of the S. S. Treasury. 
These books have been circulated in all of the United States, and, to a 
considerable extent, in the British N. A. Provinces. 


It was in 1844 that the New England Sabbath School Union 
started “ The Young Reaper.’’ For sixteen years the “ Sab- 
bath School Treasury’ had been sowing seed far and wide. 
It was a thirty-two page magazine. It carried every month 
some juvenile pages. But its main endeavor was to promote 
the cause of religious education. The Secretary of the Union, 


[ 129 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Henry S. Washburn, was one of our creative pioneers. He 
started a monthly sheet of four pages expressly for the boys 
and girls. It took at once 5,000 copies a month the first year. 
He said in his annual report: 


The Reaper was never designed to take the place of the Treasury. They 
are for different classes of readers. The Treasury is more particularly 
for teachers, parents, members of Bible classes, and youth, while the 
Reaper is for smaller children. 


When it was turned over to the Publication Society twelve 
years later it had a circulation of 13,000. 

Let us catch one more glimpse of the great tributary to the 
religious education, phase of the Publication Society’s work 
far down toward the point of junction. The Fighteenth 
Annual Report of the New England Sabbath School Union 
(1852) when Rev. Alfred Colburn was Corresponding Secre- 
tary, sets forth endeavors to promote religious education, as 
we would now say, in the somewhat quaint phrasing of seventy 
years ago, but quite to the same intent as our current local 
church institutes : 


The Secretary bas cooperated with the pastors, usually spending a whole 
Sabbath with a single church, and devoting the entire day to topics con- 
nected with Sabbath-school instruction. The importance of this institu- 
tion, the necessity of imparting to it greater efficiency, the hindrances in 
the way of its success, its connection with parental duty, its relation to the 
common-school system of education, and the obligation and encouragements 
to labor in this part of the moral vineyard—these have been some of the 
themes to which public attention has been directed. The Sabbath school 
itself has been frequently addressed; and it has been found both pleasant 
and profitable to arrange the scholars, for Divine worship, in the body of 
the church, that they might have the better opportunity of listening to 
that simple truth which blesseth no man save him that receiveth it as a 
little child. The Board would here express their increasing conviction 
of the importance of such instrumentality. The advancement of secular 
education, the character of the age, and the future interests of Zion require 
that more efficiency should be given to an institution so susceptible of 
improvement, and of becoming an overflowing fountain of spiritual bless- 
ings to the world. 


[ 130 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 





The Union's catalog this year shows sixty-four books and 
exhibits some of the illustrations used. The Society was issu- 
ing three new question-books in addition to its previous four, 
making seven graded lesson helps, one of the newest being 
illustrated. Of Sunday-school library books “ during the year 
nine new publications and eighteen reprints have been issued, 
making in the aggregate 31,600 copies, or 2,500,000 pages.”’ 
After quoting appeals from the West and South the record is: 


To these, and similar appeals, it has given the Board great pleasure to 
be able to send back a favorable response. They have donated during the 
year eighty-one libraries, which have been distributed as follows: 2 libra- 
ries to Nova Scotia, 26 to Maine, 1 to New Hampshire, 11 to Massachusetts, 
1 to Virginia, 7 to Ohio, 7 to Michigan, 1 to Indiana, 2 to Illinois, 5 to 
Wisconsin, 2 to Iowa, 2 to Missouri, 3 to Kentucky, 1 to Tennessee, 4 to 
Alabama, 1 to Louisiana, 1 to New Mexico, 2 to Burma, and 2 to Siam. 
The whole number of volumes thus brought into circulation is over 8,000 
or nearly 700,000 pages. When it is remembered that each of these volumes 
will probably be read by not less than one hundred persons; that, in many 
instances, these books will constitute the only religious reading of whole 
families; that not unfrequently the Spirit of God blesses their perusal to 
the salvation of souls; and that the seed thus sown will bear fruit when 
we and our contemporaries are in the grave—some estimate may be made 
of the value and importance of this work. 


69. Union Consummated 


Doctor Brown closes his history of the first thirty-two years 
of the Publication Society with a jubilant note: - 
The arrangement was not consummated until the month following the 


aniversary (1856). The Board therefore directed that the following notice 
of the fact be published as an appendix. 


This “ notice” depicts vividly the unseemly duplication of 
effort and in general uses language essentially identical with 
that in use nearly two generations later: 

In this day of active charity and enterprise, the churches may not be 
blamed for showing signs of restlessness and chafing when called to bear 
unnecessary burdens. May not the discontent and coldness, the apathy, 


distrust, and threatened ruptures, so manifest among us within the last 
few years, owe their origin, in part at least, to a conviction, fastening itself 


[ 131 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








upon the public mind, that we employ too much machinery in carrying on 
our operations; and that a more simple method might be found, which, 
at a less cost of men and money, would give to all our movements increased 
celerity and power. 


The gist of the story of consolidation may be seen in the 
following extracts: 


An anxious desire has long been felt to see a union effected between these 
two Societies. As early as 1840, when in answer to a call from the Hudson 
River Baptist Association, and the Board of the Baptist General Tract 
Society, a Convention assembled in the city of New York, to deliberate in 
regard to our publishing interests, among the measures then recommended, 
upon the report of a Committee composed of members from seventeen 
different States of the Union, the following were the principal: First, 
“That the Baptist General Tract Society so far change its character, as 
to adapt it to the purposes of a General Publishing Society”; and second, 
“That a union be formed between this Society and the New England Sab- 
bath School Union.” On that same day, April 30, 1840, the first of these 
recommendations was promptly carried into effect, and the Baptist General 
Tract Society was changed into The American Baptist Publication Society. 
The second was not adopted. In 1848 an overture for union was made by 
the Board of this Society, and was regarded with favor by the Board of 
the Sabbath School Union. An active correspondence ensued, and in the 
spring of 1850 negotiations were brought within sight of a hopeful conclu- 
sion; but owing to causes not needful now to detail, the wished for event 
was not realized, and the hopes then cherished faded away from the view. 

During last summer the attention of the Board was drawn again to this 
subject, by the receipt of several letters, expressing the belief that the 
renewal of negotiations was strongly desired by our friends in New En- 
gland, and if tendered would meet with a cordial response. Correspon- 
dence was accordingly opened. .. The details of the compact are not re- 
quired to be given here. Suffice it to say that the Board have purchased, 
at the appraisement of a Committee of disinterested persons, mutually 
chosen, the entire stock of Sunday-school plates, engravings, copyrights, 
etc. [for $6,715], and have embraced the New England Sabbath School 
Union as part and parcel of The American Baptist Publication Society. 

This union forms a new epoch. May we not hope that now, having but 
one simple organization, the strength of our churches will be brought into 
harmonious cooperation, in wielding the press for the spread of our prin- 
ciples, and that the blessing of God may rest on the work of our hands, 
to the praise of his glory. 


In the combined galaxy “‘ The Young Reaper ” was the par- 
ticular star. This “ Young Reaper” was continuously a 


[ 132 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


bright figure in the Baptist Sunday-school field from 1844 till 
the summer of 1908, more than two-thirds of our one hundred 
years. It is well known that the “ Reaper” was a special 
favorite of Doctor Griffith. In his sedate, wise way in formal 
reports he attributed all his own Society activities to “ The 
Board.” A collection of his sayings for thirty-six years about 
“The Young Reaper” would furnish a casket of jewels, the 
tributes of a glowing heart. 

The merging of the New England Sabbath School Union 
with the Publication Society brought Sunday schools into the 
foreground as never before. For one thing “ The Young 
Reaper’ at once became an attractive and popular exponent 
of the Society's interest in the Sunday schools. It was spoken 
of as the best appearing and most popular periodical for the 
young in the country. Thus the ideal in the “ Youth’s Maga- 
zine’ of Noah Davis in 1830, after a quarter of a century, 
came to full fruition. 


70. A New Day Spokesman 


The year after this merging of the New England Union 
another event in the history of the Society had much to do 
with its Sunday-school development for more than a third 
of acentury. In 1857 Benjamin Griffith became correspond- 
ing secretary. He had been for some time active in the Board 
and at once knew how to push its affairs. In his first annual 
report he brought the Sunday schools to the fore. As we 
have seen the colporters, even before they received their 
distinctive name, always were devoted to Sunday-school 
organization and promotion. It was one of their natural and 
constant means of usefulness. That now became explicit. A 
report of the Board said, “ Our colporters have received spe- 
cial instructions to form a new Sunday school wherever one is 
needed and can be permanently sustained.” 

This matter of organizing and reporting new schools had 
been overdone by some zealous interdenominational agencies. 


[ 133 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


‘ 


Hence Doctor Griffith’s careful specifications, “‘ wherever one 


is needed and can be permanently maintained.” After his 
death Dr. Warren Randolph said of him: 


While in certain circumstances he did not discourage the organization 
of schools where there was little promise of more than a brief existence, 
he always had an eye to permanent results. Hence he sought to have 
Sunday schools so planted that they might naturally grow into churches. 
And it was a great joy to him that the Society’s agents, chiefly during the 
period of his official management, organized nearly ten thousand Sunday 
schools, out of which grew more than a thousand churches. 


The character of the Sunday-school books to be provided 
received a fresh, careful study in 1866. The conclusion was 
that Sunday schools are primarily neither to keep children 
pleasantly occupied nor to impart general instruction but “ to 
make the young wise unto salvation and to instruct youthful 
believers in the ways and word of the Lord.” Hence the 
following were stated as guiding principles concerning the 
books for the libraries: 


1. They should have a direct and special bearing on the great end of 
Sunday-school teaching, as set forth in these pages. 

2. In their presentation of the gospel, they should be clear and dis- 
tinct; their teaching to correspond fully with the teachings of the Sacred 
Scriptures, presenting always the blood of Christ as the only ground of 
a sinner’s acceptance with God, and faith in Christ as the inquirer’s first 
and immediate duty. ; 

3. Every statement in regard to Biblical subjects, should be able to bear 
the test of the most full and accurate study of the word of God. 

4. Books which have no relation to the special end of the Sunday 
school, should not be placed in its library. 

5. Works of fiction should be examined with great care, and none should 
be admitted unless they can bear the test of a wise and thorough scrutiny. 
It is a greater evil to have too many than it is to admit too few of this 
class of works. 

6. In order to give opportunity for such careful examination as has 
been indicated, it is desirable that the additions to the library should be 
made gradually. 


Each principle was discussed and No. 5 at considerable 
length. Then the general statement was made: 


[ 134 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


During the year, the Publishing Committee, being determined that the 
Sunday-school literature provided by the Society shall all be of superior 
excellence, have been carefully reexamining their Sunday-school library 
books; throwing out all such as did not conform to the standard of the 
foregoing pages. 


71. Sunday-school Missionaries 


There was again agitation concerning having a separate 
Baptist Sunday-school Union. ‘The Board urged careful con- 
sideration of the question at a special meeting of the Society, 
if necessary. Asa matter of fact it was made the great ques- 
tion at the next annual meeting (1867), when the Board de- 
clared its eagerness to do all that any one could desire in 
Sunday-school promotion and that it could do so at one-fourth 
the cost of a new organization. In fact it had already begun 
this promotional work. 


The Board last year announced the purpose to add to their already 
manifold work, a distinct SUNDAY-SCHOOL MISSION WORK. It is 
_our privilege this year to report that the enterprise has been inaugurated. 
All the colporters have been charged to give special attention to the forma- 
tion of Sunday schools, and they have organized 120. But in addition to 
these, the Board have placed in the field twelve strictly Sunday-school 
missionaries—men whose single aim is, by every possible means, to im- 
prove schools already formed, and to organize new schools—men who 
are adapted by nature and grace to this peculiar work. Two such have 
been appointed in Missouri, one in Michigan, one in Ohio, one in Western 
Virginia, three—one white and two colored—in Virginia, one in North 
Carolina, one in Georgia, and two—one colored and one white—in Louisi- 
ana. One is under appointment for Pennsylvania. Most of these laborers 
were appointed late in the fiscal year, and are now just prepared to fully 
enter upon their work. 


The Society appointed an able special committee on Sunday- 
school work: Mr. G. F. Davis, Ohio; Mr. C. T. Goodwin, 
New York; Mr. E. D. Jones, Missouri; D. C. Eddy, D. D., 
Massachusetts; Mr. J. R. Osgood, Indiana; Rev. Robert 
Lowry, New York; Mr. B. F. Jacobs, Illinois; Rev. L. D. 
Palmer, Michigan; Mr. H. Thane Miller, Ohio. The report 
of the committee was adopted: 


[ 135 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








They heartily approve the views of the Board, and hope that this Con- 
vention, the largest in the history of our denomination, will approve the 
Sunday-school work of the Society, and authorize them, through their 
agents and colporters, to organize the whole field into State, county, and 
township auxiliaries, to aid them in doing efficient work for the denomina- 
tion in this regard. We would deprecate the formation of a new Society, 
as we believe the Publication Society, through its Publishing and Colpor- 
ter Departments, abundantly able to occupy the field to advantage. 


The work of the Sunday-school missionaries was later 
(1870) outlined as follows: 


1. To organize a Sunday-school Convention in each Association in his 
State. 

2. To secure, as far as possible, the organization of a Baptist Sunday 
school in every Baptisi*church and destitute neighborhood of the State. 

3. To furnish the necessary means with which to supply the needy and 
destitute with Bibles, Testaments, and a purely religious’ Sunday-school 
literature. 

4. To furnish every aid to teachers in the instruction, training, and 
management of their classes. 

5. To collect and communicate information as to the best methods of 
organizing and conducting Sunday schools. 

6. To secure, as far as human instrumentality accompanied by the grace 
of God can be made effectual, “the children of this State for Christ.” 

All these high aims our missionaries have realized in a limited measure. 
They have accomplished a vast work in elevating the standard of Sunday- 
school instruction in existing schools. They have:induced a great number 
of “summer schools” to keep up their sessions through the entire year. 
They have counseled and strengthened very many inefficient schools. And 
they have organized three hundred and thirty-seven new schools. These 
missionaries have influenced for good the destiny of over twenty thousand 
children, by either gathering them into the Sunday school, or by improving 
the instruction they were already under. 


‘The rising tide in religious education was marked also by 
the recommendation of the Board in 1868 and the vote of the 
Society on a report of a very able committee to appoint a 
Sunday-school general superintendent. Accordingly three 
years later Warren Randolph was appointed Sunday-school 
Secretary. Through him the Society rendered eminent ser- 
vice to the cause at large. 


[ 136 | 





D 


D 
1871 


9 


WARREN RANDOLPH 


Sunday School Secretary, 


1877 


vA a '<_ Phen dad alg ae, 
\ hl tu iy 





elie 


; MS ah in Vee ee Ne 
| , ae | eatin 
vty : > Path? 
| | 7 ie Nie 
SM alg 





SUNDAY SCHOOLS 





72. Helps and Uniform Lessons 


New measures in Sunday-school promotion were now being 
taken rapidly. One of the measures marking a positively new 
era was the issuing of periodical helps for both teachers and 
scholars. Sunday-school books and the ‘‘ Young Reaper ” 
had been interesting and edifying, question-books and cate- 
chisms had been widely used as text-books, but the regular 
monthly injection of stimulus into the vast organism of 
Sunday-school teaching was a radically new and critically sig- 
nificant measure. In 1868 the Society began the issue of 
Bible lessons—monthly, in two parts, one for teachers and 
one for pupils. The teachers’ part had an issue of 4,000 
copies a month. 

Lesson periodicals on a large scale were made practicable by 
the adoption of the International Uniform Lessons. The 
securing of such lessons is commonly regarded as the greatest 
single event in the history of Sunday-school education. The 
Chicago Sunday-school Union began to publish the “ Sunday- 
school Teacher ” in 1865, with Dr. John H. Vincent as editor. 
This Methodist leader later on in so many measures for popu- 
lar education, was early joined by the stirring business man 
who was superintendent of the first Baptist Sunday school in 
Chicago, Mr. B. F. Jacobs. Having previously awakened the 
interdenominational Sunday-school conventions of Illinois, 
Wisconsin, and Minnesota, Mr. Jacobs also unfolded his 
views to the Sunday-school Teachers’ Association of New 
York City, in the spring of 1869. His words thrilled his 
hearers like the blast of a bugle, and from that hour the 
Association entered upon a quickened life. At the National 
Sunday-school Convention, held a month or so later, in New- 
ark, N. J., Mr. Jacobs, in the superintendents’ section, dis- 
cussed the same subject and awakened in its behalf the utmost 
enthusiasm. He held, however, that as the publishers were 
not all ready for it, the time for action had not yet come. 


[ 137 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








But the time had come with our alert Publication Society. 
The Board said in 1870: 


For several years the Board have been importuned by many persons, in 
various sections of the country, to publish a paper for Sunday-school 
teachers, They did not see their way clear to do it, inasmuch as such a 
paper was published in the State of Georgia, known as The Sunday School 
Banner. On October first the Banner ceased to be issued. Its subscription 
list, numbering only some seventeen hundred passed into the hands of 
the proprietors of the Religious Herald, Richmond, Va. They offered to 
sell the list to the Society. The Board bought it, and with the first of 
January, 1870, they issued The Baptist Teacher. We printed twenty-six 
thousand copies of the January number, and seventeen thousand copies for 
February, making an average issue for the two months of over 21,000 
copies. Most of these were for gratuitous distribution, with a view of 
introducing the paper. The Board hoped that, by an earnest effort, a 
subscription list of ten thousand might be secured by the close of the first 
year. Our hopes have been greatly exceeded, the list having reached, at 
the expiration of the fourth month, eighteen thousand copies. In response 
to a demand for a system of Uniform Lessons for Baptist Sunday schools, 
the Board have commenced the publication of a series of lessons for 
every Sunday in the year. The lessons for 1870 are on the Life of 
Jesus. They are published on monthly sheets, each sheet containing a 
lesson for every Lord’s Day in the month. These lessons are now being 
used by over fifty thousand Sunday-school scholars. To determine the 
character of the weekly Sunday-school lesson for this number of children 
is a matter of the gravest responsibility, and the Board are therefore de- 
termined ‘to seek out the very best talent in the denomination for the 
preparation of these lessons. 


The use of “ Primary Lessons” began in 1874, gaining a 
circulation of 60,000 the first year. 

The new factor in religious education, “‘ The Baptist Teach- 
er’ immediately commanded wide approval. It was the next 
year enlarged and improved. ‘ It meets with universal favor 
in all sections of the country.” <A distinguished Sunday- 
school worker in the Presbyterian church wrote Doctor 


Griffith : 


I have just received the Baptist Teacher, with first four lessons for 1871. 
Have looked over them all carefully, and cannot refrain from sending you 
my congratulations upon the happy, practical, and helpful manner in 
which you have treated your themes. With such aids as you have given 


[ 138 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


the teachers of your great denomination, surely 1871 should be a golden 
year in your church history. May the dear Teacher help you abundantly 
in your future teaching of the teachers, and may the children of your 
generation rise up to call you blessed. 


The significance of the measure can be appreciated only by 
noting the magnitude of its development. In exactly fifty 
years the two periodical “helps” had grown to thirty-two, 
and the less than half a million copies to more than forty-four 
million. 

The Baptist factor in the general movement for Uniform 
Lessons was such as to command our permanent gratitude to 
God and devotion to the cause. Let others tell our storv. 
Doctor Vincent’s “Sunday School Teacher’”’ became the 
‘“ National Sunday School Teacher ”’ and early in 1870 said in 
the glow of immediate observation: 


For the sake of history let us here record that our sanguine friend, 
Mr. Jacobs, who sells produce on South Water Street, who is Superin- 
tendent of the First Baptist Sunday School on Wabash Avenue, who is 
the originator and generalissimo of the “United States Sunday-school 
Army ”—one who writes Lessons in the Standard, makes live Western 
speeches in Conventions, and does more besides all this than we can begin 
to recount, is the father of the idea of a national uniformity of lessons. 
From Boston to Minnesota, his tall figure, direct speeches, and vehement 
earnestness are associated with the subject. In his own denomination he 
has carried the day, The American Baptist Publication Society and most 
of the Baptist papers having adopted the calendar of the National Series 
of. Lessons. 


Add the calm record of fifty-three years later by another 
Pedobaptist historian: * . 


Despite the fact that rival publishers and editors wanted their lessons 
to be the one uniform series, in 1871 Mr. Jacobs had persuaded Doctor 
Eggleston and Doctor Vincent to compromise and cooperate to the extent 
that the three of them on August 9, 1871, agreed upon a uniform series 
of lessons for the year 1872. Two quarters of these lessons were taken 
from the National Series, one quarter from the Berean Series, and a fourth 
quarter was selected by the three. These lessons were widely adopted in 
the United States so that when the National Sunday School Convention 


1Dr. A. A. Brown’s “ History of Religious Education.’’ 


[ 139 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


met at Indianapolis, April 16-19, 1872, a uniform lessons system had been 
actually in operation nearly four months. The proposal to create one 
International Lesson Committee was brought forward by Mr. B. F. Jacobs, 
at 9 A. M., on April 18. We are told that as soon as he had finished speak- 
ing, cries of “ Vote, vote,’ from all over the house made it evident that 
the convention was ready to support the proposition almost unanimously. 
But the convention leaders were unwilling that so important a step, should 
be taken hastily, and action was deferred until the afternoon session, 
when the motion was carried by an overwhelming majority, only ten 
voting in the negative. 


For intensely interesting details of this epoch-making ser- 
vice to the kingdom of God see “ Baptists and the National 
Centenary ’’; Chapter VII on Sunday-school Work by Warren 
Randolph. 


73. Graded Lessons 


In the matter of lesson periodicals there has been constant 
development in both quality and quantity. The next marked 
event in selection of lesson material was when graded lessons 
began to be provided. Baptists furnished some of the fore- 
most leaders in this advance too. 

The University of Chicago Press issued one of the first series of com- 
pletely graded Sunday-school lessons, and, in fact, William Rainey Harper, 
former President of the institution, backed the Blakeslee Graded Lessons 
before he became president of the university. As far back as 1899 he 
conceived the plan of providing a series of text-books for the study of 
the Bible, which should be adapted for all ages, to meet the needs of several 
periods of life from the kindergarten to adulthood.. The first volume was 
brought out in 1890, and in 1908, upon his death, Professor E. D. Burton 
became the editor. Eventually, after the International Graded Lessons 


had been launched, this series was completed as the Constructive Bible 
Series.” 


Again, it was under the chairmanship of one of our Sunday- 
school workers—long superintendent of our great Ruggles 
Street Sunday-school, Boston, with Robert G. Seymour as pas- 
tor—that the decisive step was taken interdenominationally. 
The whole-hearted support of the Association and its Lesson 


2A. A. Brown. 


[ 140 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 








Committee was assured when on January 2, 1908, in the home 
of Mr. W. N. Hartshorne, Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee of the International Sunday-school Association, an in- 
formal conference of Sunday-school workers was held. For 
two days fifty-four men and women sat in conference and 
debated the question of graded lessons. Resolutions were 
passed unanimously. “‘ The Lesson Committee unanimously 
adopted these resolutions as a part of its report to the con- 
vention in Louisville.’’® 

Dr. C. R. Blackall, the father of so many good things in the 
Sunday-school world, furthered the advance and as Editor of 
Periodicals in The American Baptist Publication Society in- 
troduced graded lessons in 1909 and the next year established 
the Keystone International Graded Sunday-school Lessons. 
The story of it is so typical of our work and our workers and 
so vital that it deserves full record in the ringing words of 
Doctor Blackall himself : 


The demand for the Graded Lessons has been far beyond our most 
sanguine expectations, especially for the Junior Course. The way for 
the new Beginners’ Lessons has been thoroughly opened by five years in 
practical use of earlier courses; this also made a clear way for the Pri- 
mary Series; but the Junior Course, a fresh path had to be blazed, and 
doubts were fully expressed whether any considerable number of schools 
would venture upon it. The marvel in the case is that all three courses 
ran well together, with a material and satisfactory increase in demand 
for the second quarterly parts, with assurance of yet further demand for 
succeeding parts for the first-year courses. We have undertaken the 
large expense and risk involved in the issuing of this series because it 
was found impossible to cooperate with a syndicate issuing a similar series, 
for the reason that no arrangement could be made with the syndicate 
permitting Baptist editorship, and for the additional reason that we 
believe the treatment of the lessons should not be merely upon educational, 
but preeminently upon evangelical lines. In other words, we believe that 
Baptist Sunday schools should have a literature which recognizes for 
children, as well as for older people, the necessity of the work of the 
Holy Spirit in regeneration, and which teaches fully and clearly the fun- 
damental facts of the gospel. The Keystone Lessons are, accordingly, 
written by Baptists, and in accord with Baptist views of truth. It will 


3A, A. Brown. 


[ 141 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


be seen on examination, that the periodicals of the series, for both teachers 
and scholars, are also in line with the most recent studies of child life 
and Sunday-school pedagogy, and are of the highest mechanical excellence. 
Quite naturally there are some doubters, who regard these lesson series 
as a mere fad, or as a simple spurt destined to die a natural death as 
soon as their novelty wears off. But the comparatively large circulation 
attained by the Graded Courses, issued by our Society and other publish- 
ing houses, clearly indicates that the graded work has come to stay. The 
doubters are foredoomed to disappointment. The Graded Courses form 
the most distinct advance ever made in International Sunday-school Les- 
sons; they are based on correct educational principles; no claim is made 
of their absolute perfection, hence modifications are likely to be made, 
but there will not be any retrogression. The intelligent and effective 
efforts made by Graded Unions in city and country all over the land. will 
continue and increase rapidly. “Graded Supplemental Lessons” are 
offered, but these have had their day; they do not and cannot by any 
possibility meet the requirements of advanced thinkers and workers. 


The prophetic spirit has been justified by all the succeeding 
years. lhe graded lesson series involving vast labor and ex- 
pense was completed in 1917. ‘The series covers a curriculum 
of seventeen years. ‘rom the beginning it has steadily ad- 
vanced in taking the place of the Uniform Lessons. The 
latter, however, are still published for those who want them. 


74. High Tension Transmission 


The steady growth in periodical help can be noted by the 
fact that the first year Doctor Blackall’s name appears as 
“ Sunday School Editor” (1883, though he had been editing 
some of the periodicals for ten years before that) there were 
ten Sunday-school and young people’s periodicals with an 
aggregate circulation of 24,357,566, and the last year that his 
name appears, 1916, there were thirty-five such periodicals 
with a circulation of 58,982,970. How poorly do even such 
stupendous figures, though multiplied by thirty-three years 
and also multiplied by the scores of assistant editors employed, 
suggest the hours of study, the brain-throbs, the prayers, and 
the heart-beats that went into that third of our century in re- 
ligious education. 


[ 142 | 





CHRISTOPHER RUBEY BLACKALL, D.D. 
In Rome, at Age of Seventy 


a. | iy al i ae 
* W iui lah Hn , 


ip! ST AE 4 


fa* 
eit Mit ri 
: at wt 
j ( 
a Pe 0) 
- : j 
( 
iis 
wh NT 
=e ' Lie pe ‘ 
‘ A 
i? 
fof 
4 
Al 
iene 
Vy 
/ 
ivi 
| ‘ 
/ 
i 
wt 
7 { 
ve 
. 
Py 
. 
‘ 
= i 
i 
s 
‘ 


u 





SUNDAY SCHOOLS 








Not often does one national organization have the continu- 
ous and uninterrupted services of one man for half a century. 
Doctor Blackall invested fifty-eight years in the work of The 
American Baptist Publication Society. The new text-books 
in the Keystone Series of International Sunday School Lessons 
issued by the Society carry this dedication: 


TO 
GH lS LOPE RAR U BEY BEACKALUS D. D: 


Epiror EMERITUS 


Fifty-eight years connected with The American Baptist Publica- 

tion Society, serving thirty-six years as Editor-in-Chief of Sunday 

School Publications—an American Sunday School pioneer, states- 

man, and prophet—virile, versatile, and efficient as writer, editor, 

and leader—the new Keystone Series of International Graded 
Lessons is affectionately dedicated. 


In the annual report for 1916-1917 the General Secretary 
of the Society made the following statement: 


The retirement of Doctor Blackall (1916) made it desirable for us to 
carefully consider the present situation in the Sunday-school field, and 
to provide for the adequate manning of the department. Dr. W. Edward 
Raffety, who had served the Society nearly a year as Director of Daily 
Vacation Bible School Work, was chosen as Editor-in-Chief. Doctor 
Raffety comes to his position from a professorship in the Kansas City 
Theological Seminary, thoroughly trained and equipped, with a wide 
denominational acquaintance, and an appreciation of the necessity of fitting 
our output to the needs of the child. He has entered upon his work with 
great enthusiasm. 

In view of the new lesson courses, which begin January 1, 1918, it seemed 
desirable to consider our whole scheme of organization. In past years the 
greater part of our lesson work has been prepared by outside writers. 
The editorial forces of all denominations have had a tendency to cling 
to their offices. We are outlining our work upon the conviction that each 
separate department ought to have at its head a man or a woman who is 
a specialist for that division—that the work of the department ought to 
be done by the editor or under the editor’s personal supervision, and 
finally that the work ought to be so apportioned that it will be possible 
for the editors to make frequent visits to Sunday-school workers in the 
field and in the churches, and so secure accurate knowledge of the needs 
and the best ways to meet them. 


[ 143 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





With this understanding, the new Editor-in-Chief was given 
a free hand and therefore set about the creation of an ade- 
quate organization so that the Society might function as a 
faithful and effective servant of the denomination in the prep- 
aration and publication of the best possible Sunday-school 
literature. 

The accompanying chart shows the outline of the plan 
recommended and adopted by the Board. It indicates the new 
publications inaugurated and obviates the necessity of ex- 
tended mention of these publications. 

It will be seen that the Department of Sunday School Publi- 
cations was organized on the same educational base as the 
modern Sunday school which it seeks to serve. Miss Nan 
F. Weeks, of Springfield, Mass., was called as Children’s Edi- 
tor; Dr. Frank Otis Erb, of Portland, Me., as Young People’s 
Editor, and Dr. Owen C. Brown, of Lawrence, Kans., as Adult 
Editor, also serving for a time as Literary Editor; Miss A. 
Edith Meyers was made Missionary Editor. At this writing 
these faithful, efficient editors have rendered six years of note- 
worthy service. Associated with each editor are assistant 
editors trained as specialists in the age groups they serve. The 
plan of organization has these six years demonstrated its 
soundness in ever-increasing efficiency of the staff. With 
such specialization the department grows as the church school 
grows in its more scientific service in the church-school field 
of religious education. 

The most important change in publications beginning with 
January 1, 1918, was the creation of a new line of Sunday- 
school courses called the Improved Uniform Lessons, Inter- 
national Series, with parallel departmental publications. (See 
chart. ) | 

“The Sunday School Worker,” a new monthly magazine of 
principles and methods, was founded at this time. There was 
merged into it certain features of the “ Baptist Teacher ”’ and 
“The Superintendent,” both of which were discontinued. The 


[ 144 ] 











Zuapuaputisadn ye (y4im paseprosua) } AIYLOM [aol sy APpuny IY (wm pazepyjosue) ) aAIUICIT PS14deg 


pootZsNp ye ‘ pooytpno x é pooypyit) poowkeg| | 


/ 
AIY ICAL / 
/ 


















‘ 
‘SISINOJ 


SISINOD 9A12I31T 


ADU ICAL ougshay 































\ PT Te ar, Aaah: / 
~ prsodoig IAIQINT jidng jidng ‘ suosse7 | 
s ~SUOSSIT JI vn) 
Ifo ,CCIT IMF AIY I? A Seltd 
DY Jal |omsuossa7 aia "pe Ae = 
————— \ SEPTD S <a PY Uy 
= iy guauizaedyg ILUOPL SS 71), Ta dor B OOK Jonny ALLS eouaiedyaig suossey 
. NX ; - / 
Sank tit edd ah A JI1A.1aS $31doxy Punox 
4 ~ \ / ] 
21/N seq) ynpy Cee P]IOM $]4Ih 
= ssbpy suauioy | Sse) sual ajdoag Bunox P/AOM SUPIOK | | 4onm/ eae 
PUL PUL ‘ 
FE ES ZZNE\ OF-6I-PIl-2) Pf Mle A bed A | ZH-01-6 | 8-L-9 | Sr~# | £-F 
fuamon | von | |Eiedn BAB| RS iiath| stan Hck | [Mtb | Batic | sind) rear 
pire | ance apace (ueuom) sozipzyurasissy | "arpa | SABES: [eee soe | (memoaeefine 
SUOHPING A SS FOP Y SUOTZOIIIIVA SS $2] SLUIOIPEINW" d GE SlIstpliy) 
ea 
HoHPT) [1021P 9] OH PT | [ORIPT|/ OH PT | 


FID Us 10}IPT 


“S-d-G-V “INAWINvdad TWIYOLIGA “NOLVZINVDYO JO NVTd 


4 






PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





five new departmental Teachers presented teaching materials 
hitherto found in “‘ The Baptist Teacher,” but now more highly 
specialized to meet the needs of the New International Series, 
itself highly departmentalized. 


“World Wide,” a missionary paper, was discontinued and 
through the new missionary editor a bigger and better service 
given through all the illustrated papers and magazines. ‘This 
was a kingdom forward step of considerable importance. It 
is doubtful if the Sunday school literature of any other de- 
nomination is as rich in missionary values. 


“ Babyhood,” for mothers and Cradle Roll workers, was 
born at this time. It is unique, and continues to carry delight- 
ful messages to all who are interested in tiny tots. 


“Home Department,” a quarterly,. was started, carrying 
lesson treatment and magazine features. 


b] 


“ Pocket Lessons” was begun at this time, and carries a 
virile, compact, full-year treatment of the Uniform Lessons 
for Young People and Adults. 

The annual report of the department for 1917 closed with 
this significant paragraph : 


The Publication Society purposes by the new organization to meet every 
legitimate need of the modern Sunday school, and to do it in a straight- 
forward, sensible fashion, sparing neither time nor money. It hopes thus 
to gain the good-will and loyalty of every Baptist Sunday-school worker 
in its territory. It does not expect Baptist patronage unless it is able 
“to deliver the goods”; but when the goods are delivered it cherishes the 
hope, and confidently expects, that Baptist Sunday-school supplies will not 
be shunted to give place to “non” or “inter”? denominational publications 
which cannot in the very nature of the case be fair to Baptist doctrines 
and Baptist polity. The refusal to syndicate on Sunday-school lesson- 
writing and publication, in order to give Baptist Sunday schools real 
Baptist instruction, means thousands of dollars’ added expense to the 
Society every year. We believe that the denomination appreciates this 
stand and will back it up with whole-hearted cooperation. The Society’s 
profits do not fill private coffers nor go to “union” enterprises. Every 
cent goes back into help for Baptist Sunday schools in destitute portions 
of the country. The Society’s motto is, “ We seek to serve rather than 
to profit.” 


[ 146 | 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


The Department of Sunday School Publications during the 
World War passed through some trying experiences, as wages, 
raw materials, and general manufacturing costs soared sky- 
ward. ‘The loyalty of an ever-widening constituency gave edi- 
tors and publishers courage for those uncertain times. 

The New Keystone Series of International Graded Lessons 
on account of war prices had to wait, but at the present time, 
after three strenuous years, the two-year Beginners’ Course 
and courses for the first nine succeeding grades are all pub- 
lished. These are new courses and generally conceded by 
specialists in religious education to be the best closely graded 
series. The remaining courses, including electives, are in 
process of completion. 

The department has during 1922 and 1923 issued the follow- 
ing Judson Training Manuals: “ Story-Telling Lessons,” 
fanning Church Buildings. ., Our Bo Y~P. U.,” ~The Use 
of Projects in Religious Education,’ “ Our Junior Depart- 
ment,” “‘ Mothers’ Problems,” ‘‘ The Book of Books,” “‘ Build- 
ing a Community,” “The Evangelism of Youth,” “ Church 
Work with Juniors.” Plans are under way to publish others 
later. 

Week-day and Vacation Church School Courses have been 
published by the department as follows: Week-day Courses I, 
IV, VII (correlated with corresponding Keystone Courses). 
Church Vacation School—Beginners: ‘ Getting Acquainted 
with the Heavenly Father,” and “ Gifts from Our Heavenly 
Father’; Primary: “ Stepping-stones in Life,’ “ The Bible 
and the Child,” and ‘“ Happy Childhood Days’; Junior: 
‘Meeting the Test,” “Dan of Nazareth,” and “ Stories for 
Young Americans.”’ 

The Editor-in-Chief of the Department has recently pre- 
pared a pamphlet giving the following statements : 


Sunday-school Objectives. The American Baptist Publication Society 
through its Department of Sunday School Publications holds that the 
five outstanding objectives of the present-day Sunday school are: (1) To 


[ 147 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


give thorough graded instruction in the Bible. (2) To lead pupils to 
Christ as a personal Saviour and Friend. (3) To help pupils form Chris- 
tian ideals of character and conduct. (4) To nurture and train Christian 
life for unselfish service. (5) To give Christ the first place. 


Kinds of Publications. To help our Baptist Sunday schools throughout 
the country to realize these objectives the Society issues six kinds of 
Sunday-school publications, namely: (1) Illustrated papers and magazines. 
(2) International Sunday School Lessons, Group-Uniform Series. (3) In- 
ternational Sunday School Lessons, Keystone Graded Series. (4) Vaca- 
tion Church School Courses. (5) Week-day Church School Courses. 
(6) Judson Training Manuals. 


Baptist Sunday School Publications for Baptist Sunday Schools. Bap- 
tist Sunday schools should use Baptist Sunday-school publications for the 
same reason that Baptist churches call Baptist ministers as pastors, organ- 
ize themselves into Baptist Associations and State Conventions and the 
Northern Baptist Convention, with foreign, home, and city mission socie- 
ties; for the same reason that we have Baptist colleges and Baptist jour- 
nals. The very same reasons that make these recognized agencies possible 
and desirable also make necessary and desirable Baptist Sunday-school 
publications. There are five advantages which Baptist Sunday schools 
have in using Baptist Sunday-school literature, namely: (1) To perpctuate 
Baptist doctrines. (2) To strengthen Baptist churches which hold these 
doctrines. (3) To promote the enterprises of the denomination. (4) To 
provide and prepare Baptist leaders for the denomination. (5) To co- 
operate with every Christian force in forwarding the kingdom of God. 


Tests for Sunday School Editors and Lesson Writers. With such goals 
for our Sunday schools, the Society issues its several lines of publications 
and feels its responsibility as a servant of the denomination so thoroughly 
that the Editor-in-Chief of the Sunday-school publications has for his 
own personal use set up the following tests when securing an editor or 
lesson-writer: (1) Is he (she) a genuine Christian, intelligent and spiritual ? 
(2) Does he have a passion for souls? (3) Is he vitally interested in com- 
munity welfare and service? (4) Does he know and appreciate the educa- 
tional task of the church? (5) Is he true to our accepted Baptist position— 
loyal to Christ, to the Bible, to the church, to the denomination, and to the 
great movements of the kingdom? 


The Society realizes that it is impossible to please everybody. The De- 
partment of Sunday School Publications knows this. Both lesson writers 
and editors feel keenly that they are the servants of Christ and the trustees 
of a great denomination whose Sunday-school pupils, young and old, 
deserve Sunday-school literature second to none. The increasing loyalty 
of our great Baptist brotherhood to the Society and its Sunday-school 
literature is a source of constant joy and strength to editors, publishers, 
and all concerned. 


[ 148 ] 


SUNDAY SCHOOLS 


A volume would be required to give the details of the evolu- 
tion of Sunday-school helps. The next chapter will show 
some of the significant extensions in this work. Here it must 
suffice to say that, one after another, as the needs of our 
Sunday schools appeared and methods of education advanced, 
old names and forms were changed and new helps were cre- 
ated, until in 1924 the Society is giving the rising generation in 
the kingdom of God more than sixty of these periodic assis- 
tants. 


[ 149 | 


VIll 
ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


In the churches at large for a long time to come probably, 
certainly in the first century of Publication Society history, the 
Sunday school is the main stream of religious education. It 
is within reach of every one—every church, however feeble 
and backward, every member, however young or old. It is 
available for neighborhoods where there is as yet no church. 
It is not only a possibility, but the Society enables it to be an 
instrument of considerable efficiency, of even enormous poten- 
tialities. Doctor Griffith’s phrase is correct. The Publication 
Society is “ preeminently a Sunday-school Society.” 

But there are happily many extensions of the central trunk, 
undreamed of by the forefathers. Some of the most fruitful 
branches are of quite recent engrafting and growth. Some 
sprouted long ago. 


75. Improvement of the Sunday School 


Improvement of the Sunday schools has been an avowed 
purpose from early days, but it has occupied much larger place 
in later days and the multiplication of schools a smaller place. 
The prospectus in 1824 proposed to stimulate the working 
of the schools by tracts as rewards. Noah Davis’s urgency 
for Sunday-school statistics was obviously for the sake of 
quickening the Sunday-school pulse. The careful attention 
to the Sunday-school libraries, the first big undertaking of the 
Society for the schools, showed increasing solicitude as to their 
quality. When Sunday-school missionaries came to be ap- 
pointed, improvement of the existing schools was made an 
explicit part of their duties and latterly the chief part. The 
transfer of emphasis can be noted by comparing the stress 


[ 150 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


pointed with figures in the following official accounts a quarter 
of a century apart. In 1885 

The Society’s colporteurs and Sunday-school missionaries have together 
organized over six thousand Sunday schools (6,393)—a greater number 
than we now have, as a denomination, in any five of the States of this 


Union; an average of 355 per year, or nearly one each day. Last year 
they organized 462 schools—nearly nine per week. 


In rorr 


The Sunday-school missionaries have not only pressed their funda- 
mental missionary work in the ingathering of scholars, the formation of 
new schools, and the children’s service for conversion; but have made great 
advances in the education of teachers in individual and clustered churches 
through the teacher-training institutes. There have been 909 institutes held 
this year. 


76. Teacher-training 


Teacher-training is the central stem of growth. Before the 
“ Baptist Teacher’ concentrated and periodically repeated 
efforts at training, “ Teachers’ Papers ”’ were regularly issued. 
The long series of question-books and catechisms before that 
(e. g., in 1865 a three-hundred-dollar prize catechism) were 
created for the guidance of teachers. The catalog of the 
jubilee year (1874) shows nineteen different “ question-books 
adapted to different ages and capacities,’ seven ‘ catechisms,”’ 
and twelve other j 


‘ 


“aids for Sunday-school teachers,’ among 
which are “ Our Sunday-school Work and How to Do It,” by 
Caeeelackall, and a -; Notmalk.Class Manual for Bible 
Teachers,’ by two of the eminent teachers of the country, 
mavavettovey). 1), and-J. M. Gregory, UL. D:  This*Nor- 
mal Class Manual marked an era in Sunday-school teacher- 
training in the United States The Introduction says: 

This book is an outgrowth of the National Baptist Sunday School Con- 


vention held in Cincinnati, November, 1872. It is designed to meet a 
long-felt want to which the Convention gave its most earnest attention. 


The Introduction contains also a statement by leading Sunday- 
school workers of four denominations: 


[151 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








In view of the wide-spread and growing interest in the training of 
Sunday-school teachers, the undersigned Christian workers, who have given 
the subject special study and acquired experience in its methods, unite in 
recommending the formation of normal classes, in connection with the 
Sunday schools and seminaries of learning for the benefit of those who 
would become proficient Bible teachers. 


In a short time it is recorded of this Normal Class Manual 
that it was 
issued somewhat more than a year ago. Three editions have been called 


for. It will give efficiency to the Sunday-school work of which the early 
supporters of the cause had not even a conception. 


But the great development of teacher-training did not take 
place till the twentieth century. In its first year at the annual 
meeting of the Society Doctor Blackall discussed at length 
“The Sunday-school Problem of the Twentieth Century ” 
with his usual penetration and progressiveness. He advo- 
cated graded lessons when they were a means of great advance 
over the preceding chaos. He pivoted thought on the ques- 
tion whether the Sunday school is indeed a school. He was 
immediately followed by Mr. James Edmunds, Sunday-school 
missionary of Western Oregon and Washington, with a cogent 
plea for graded lessons and especially for teacher-training : 


Our argument for the trained teacher has already indicated the scope 
of the training necessary. Our teachers should be instructed in that which 
they are to teach, for one cannot teach what he does not know. They 
should know whom they teach—the nature and attributes of the soul. 
They should know how to bring the latter to a knowledge of the former, 
that is, should be taught the principles and methods of pedagogy, and 
trained in their application. 


He set forth a national teacher-training plan and concluded, 
‘IT have come three thousand miles to urge that you do it 
now.’ lhe Board reported the following year: 


This suggestion was referred to the Board. It has been duly con- 
sidered; but while the scheme was highly approved in many ways, it has 
not been thought best to attempt it at the present time, on account of the 


[ 152 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


heavy expense involved. The Board still holds the matter under advise- 
ment, and as soon as there seems to be sufficient call on the part of the 
officers and teachers of our Sunday schools for such an institute, it stands 
ready to make response to such call. ‘ 


The “call” was repeated in clarion tones at the annual 
meeting of 1905 by the Sunday-school missionary of Mis- 
souri, Dr. H. E. Tralle. How it would have rejoiced the 
prophetic soul of John Mason Peck, the Sunday-school and 
educational pioneer of two generations before, if he could 
have heard the voice out of his own “ Great Western Valley ”’ 
calling for ““ Normal Work in the Sunday-school,” and listened 
to “ Teacher-training defined, outlined, and justified.” Two 
years more and the Board reported: 


We have for a long time contemplated the creation of a National Train- 
ing Institute for Sunday-school officers and teachers. We have, we 
believe, found the right man in the person of one of our Sunday-school 
missionaries, Rev. Hugh T. Musselman, of Missouri. Mr. Musselman has 
accepted the position and has already entered upon his duties. His title 
will be Associate Editor and Superintendent of Normal Work, and he 
will give his entire time to the Institute and the editorial work connected 
with it. His headquarters will be at the parent house. We take great 
pleasure in presenting him to the Society at this anniversary. The arrange- 
ments for the Institute are now approaching completion, and we hope at 
an early date to announce it ready for work. The Institute will be con- 
ducted somewhat on the Chautauqua plan, and will offer a thorough scheme 
of study in Sunday-school pedagogy, the Bible, general church history, and 
Baptist history and doctrine, with certificates and diplomas on the com- 
pletion of the course or courses. 


‘Mr. Musselman set forth the plan in minute detail under 
the following general heads: 


THE NATIONAL TEACHER-TRAINING INSTITUTE 
I. THE COURSES OF STUDY OFFERED 
1. The Regular Teacher-training Course. 
2. The Regular Officer-training Course. 
3. The Primary-training Course. 


4. Special or Graduate Courses for Teachers and Workers. 
5. Reading Courses for Teachers and Workers. 


[ 153 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








II THE WAYS AND MEANS OF CONDUCTING THESE TRAINING COURSES 


. Through the Sunday-school Teachers’ Meeting. 

. Through the Teacher-training Class in the Sunday school. 
. Through Combination Teacher-training Classes. 

. Teacher-training Through Correspondence Study. 

. Through Teacher-training at Our Summer Assemblies. 

. Through Our Reading Courses for Laymen and Pastors. 


Wh Re 


On mm 


77. A Distinct Department 


After four years of a great pioneering service in teacher- 
training, Doctor Musselman retired and was succeeded by Dr. 
W. E. Chalmers in 1911. Dr. George T. Webb had been 
transferred from the Young People’s Work to the Editorial 
Department as assistant to Doctor Blackall. Doctor Chalmers 
combined the new teacher-training work with his service as 
General Secretary of the Baptist Young People’s Union of 
America, until it became evident that a separate department 
of religious education should be organized. Under his leader- 
ship the new department was formed, and a comprehensive 
plan of work was adopted, including Teacher-training, Chil- 
dren’s Work, Young People’s Work, Adult Work, Vacation 
School Work, Week-day Schools, Institutes and Summer As- 
semblies, Sunday-school Work for New Americans and for 
Negroes, and Individual School Advisors. It was also deter- 
mined to enter into cooperative relations with each State Con- 
vention and Standard City Mission Society, in the appointment 
of Directors of Religious Education, and the development of 
departments of religious education. 

With the organization of a Department of Religious Educa- 
tion teacher-training became enlarged to leadership-training 
under the direction of Rev. Seldon L. Roberts. The record of 
IQ16 was: 


The year has shown changes and growth in our teacher-training work. 
Looking forward to an advance in the requirements of diploma courses the 
department has offered an optional teacher-training course, which provides 
two years of foundation work and a third year of specialization. During 


[154] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


the year following Baptist students have enrolled with the educational 
secretary, and pursued the various courses: Advanced Standard, 7,180; 
First Standard, 17,774; Correspondence Students, 930. Two thousand eight 
hundred and fifty-four diplomas have been issued. Since the Society began 
this training work 61,073 have been enrolled in the various courses. 


The Publication Society joined with all the evangelical de- 
nominations in the Sunday School Council in a big forward 
step in teacher-training, by the adoption of a three years’ 
course, entitled “ The New Standard. Teacher Training 
Course.” Under the successful operation of the new course 
teacher-training has been broadened into leadership-training. 

Many of the significant extensions have been connected with 
the establishment of a Department of Religious Education. 
This was formally done in 1910 though the term had begun 
to be used before that. This Department, during most of its 
existence, has had the advantage of growth under one compe- 
tent head, Dr. William E. Chalmers. With eight or ten Divi- 
sion Directors at headquarters and the State Directors of Re- 
ligious Education, it is the most fully manned Department of 
the Society. The transfer of emphasis in religious education 
from numbers to character, so pronounced in many ways, was 
perfectly obvious in the change of title given to the long- 
employed State promoters of the Sunday school. The “ Sun- 
day school Missionaries”? became “ Directors of Religious 
Education” (1913). This change of title marked a decided 
change in some of the qualifications for the work. Measures 
for securing that, in addition to special care in the selection 
of men, have been students’ conferences and required reading 
courses. 


78. Junior Work 


Even cursory students of Sunday-school development in 
this country know that some of the general advances in recent 
years have been led by specialists in work for the younger boys 
and girls. Our Society has risen to the new day by appoint- 
ing a Director of Children’s Work, Miss Meme Brockway 


[155] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








(1914). This division already has a whole range of national 
activities like those of a distinct department. It takes five or 
six pages.in the Reports of recent years to outline its work: 


Our denomination was the first to attempt the organization of the 
elementary workers. Other denominations watched, questioned, in one 
case sending their general worker to our office for detailed information; 
in other cases adopting even our titles of “directors” and ‘ key women.” 
After nine years of unremitting effort to build up an organization of 
children’s workers in the Northern Baptist Convention territory and after 
careful study of volunteer and employed officers, it seems right and wise 
to state frankly certain convictions which have grown out of these experi- 
ences. Volunteer workers in each Association and in each local church 
can be secured who will render valuable service provided that there is a 
paid State Director of Children’s Work who can give sufficient time to 
build up an esprit de corps and maintain it by many cordial letters, definitely 
assigned tasks, and frequent public recognition of the officers’ achievements. 


In 1923 we have four such State Directors. The stirring 
national Director of Children’s Work admits that 


A book entitled “Church Work with Juniors” has been written and 
recently issued. It is the first to offer a unified church program for the 
juniors in Sunday-school Junior Society, missionary organization, and 
week-day session. “A poor thing, my lord, but my own,” to quote Shake- 
speare. 


79. Specific Counsel 


In addition to the general helps in Sunday-school work there 
is often need of particular exvert study of a local situation and 
personal advice. To meet this need the Society provides 
“ Sunday-school Advisors.” The report of 1921 says that the 
Advisor | 


stays with the individual school long enough to observe and investigate 
all the various departments and then she is able to offer advice that is 
directly applicable to the situation. A few incidents will serve to show 
how the personal’ contact has brought about changes for the good of the 
school. Several inactive superintendents of Cradle Roll and Home Depart- 
ments have been prevailed upon to resign in favor of some who would 
do the work. Where the adult classes have been selfish in keeping for their 
own use the most sunshiny and attractive rooms, they have voted to give 
them up to the children’s departments. When the need of new equipment 


[ 156 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


for the school has been presented in several cases, an individual has 
offered to start the fund with $100. Often there have been volunteers for 
other work in the school besides teaching, such as the important position 
of enrolment secretary to get the statistics straightened out. Frequently 
the trustees of the church agree to make alterations in the church building 
to accommodate the school, such as taking out or putting in a partition 
to give the beginners a suitable room by themselves. 


The first fifteen churches received such careful counsel, the 
next year twenty-five churches, having as Advisor in the East 
Miss Ella B. Weaver, and in the West Miss Myrtle M. Love. | 


80. Conventions and Institutes 


Among the measures for promoting Sunday-school develop- 
ment great conventions and small conferences have rendered 
wide service. 

The first Baptist National Convention was called by the 
Society at St. Louis in 1869. It played such an influential 
part in the Sunday-school progress which was taking place 
those days that a second Baptist National Sunday-school Con- 
vention was held in Cincinnati in 1872. A third Baptist 
National Sunday-school Convention was held in Boston in 
1877. [he name was changed to Institute in 1881, and the 
gathering was held in immediate connection with the anniver- 
saries that year at Indianapolis. 

Regional conferences and institutes came into use later as 
being more directly effective in helping the actual Sunday- 
school workers. They were made brief schools of method as 
well as inspiration. Let a few sentences from the record of 
I915 give a hint as to the magnitude of this extension in 
religious education: 

No feature of the educational work has grown more rapidly than the 
institutes. During the year the directors reported holding 1,421. <A 
classification of institutes has been necessary. They are divided according 
to the size of the city in which they are held. In cities of the first class 
five-day institutes are held, in which the faculty is strengthened from head- 


quarters. In cities of the second class the institute is wholly in the hands 
of the State Director, who may call to his aid a neighboring director with 


[ 157 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








the consent of the District Superintendent. In cities and towns of the 
third class the directors hold a brief institute with local Help. In the 
Ninth Street Baptist Church, of Cincinnati, in February, 1,654 different 
persons were registered for classes and conferences, with a total attendance 
by periods of over seven thousand. 


81. Summer Assemblies 


The rapid growth of summer assemblies in late years is one 
of the notable extensions 1n religious education. They tend to 
further almost every feature of religious education, and recent 
as they are, deserve a whole chapter in our centennial history. 

No one can visit one of these assemblies, East or West, for 
even a day or two without discovering that he is in a hot-bed 
of the whole denominational garden. Their promotion be- 
came a distinct division of work in 1920. They are schools 
for intelligent leaders of everything that the churches stand 
for. We must. content these pages with notice of a single 


Weare Oa2n«: 


The Publication Society cooperates with at least twenty-four assemblies 
this year, in supplying a part of the teaching force, suggesting standards, 
and promoting in every way possible the best interests of the assemblies 
in the various States. . . Last year the Michigan Baptist Assembly was 
held at Kalamazoo College, July 20 to 28. It was a week of fellowship, 
study, training, inspiration, devotional meditation, and recreation. Eighty- 
one certificates for the completion of twenty or more class periods of 
work were issued. Twenty-two courses will be offered at this year’s 
Assembly. 


82. Correspondence Courses 


Field students of the whole denominational situation and 
need have long seen that few things are more vital than the 
need of helping ministers and other leaders of meager training, 
while engaged in the work from which they cannot be taken 
for attendance at schools of learning, to attain genuine educa- 
tional advantages. Correspondence study has proved surpris- 
ingly helpful. A school of design and lettering has enrolled 
over 9,000 in twenty years, a school of music, 26,000. There 
are over 200 commercial institutions using the correspondence 


[ 158 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


method, the one of widest range having 300,000 active enrol- 
ment and correcting 1,200 student papers daily. In the second 
decade of the twentieth century the number of standard col- 
leges and universities providing correspondence courses rose 
from eleven to seventy-four, including several of the most 
famous universities. The method, therefore, has been ade- 
quately tested and legitimated. In the new joint endeavor of 
the Publication Society and the Home Mission Society to meet 
the needs of the denomination, the establishment of a division 
of correspondence study was one of the most timely measures. 
The reports of its Director, Dr. Warren P. Behan, for the 
years 1920-21-22 are packed with promise toward meeting 
one of the profoundest needs. If lack of sense of need on 
the part of the neediest, and lack of adequate funds on the part 
of the missionary Societies, or any other lacks, have tempo- 
rarily slowed down this running start at the end of the first 
hundred years of our Society for the diffusion of light, it is 
bound to become one of the great ministries of the future 
through the Societies, the theological seminaries, or some other 
agencies. At the end of the first year twelve courses of study, 
with carefully selected text-books, were announced. The 
record of 1922 is a shining part of a century of the Pioneers 
of Light. George L. White, Associate Director of Corre- 
spondence Study for the West, has been an effective coad jutor. 

During the year ending March 31, 1922, the Division has 
enrolled 95 students in 9 separate courses; 25 in the Eastern 
District and 70 in the Western. Of these, 58 have been em- 
ployees of our National and City Mission Societies and State 
Conventions, for whom primarily the Division was established. 
Of other than such employees there were 37 enrolled. 
Twenty-nine have completed single courses of instruction, and 
to them certificates of completion have been issued. 

In the two years and one-half since the inception of the 
Division its growth can be indicated by this statistical sum- 
mary : 


[ 159 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


1) Lota) Réesistrations1375 ast, O2g\\ esiaeca ae 
American Baptist Publication Society Workers, 30. 
Home Mission Society workers, 1306. 

State Convention workers, 54. 
Ministers of self-supporting churches, 209. 
All others, 1206. 


IS 


Total number of individual courses completed, 29; East, 
LT VV eStalo: 


3. Total registration fees received, $939.94; East, $240.94; 
West, $690. 


4. Votal registrations, advance students, in universities and 
seminaries 1n correspondence study, working through this 
Division, 24; East, 4; West, 20. 


5. Number of readers employed, 10; from staff of the Publi- 
cation and Home Mission Societies, 5; all others, 5. 
Most of the registrations have been in the units of the 
Standard Course for Ministers and Missionaries who have not 
finished college and seminary training. 
The pastor of a large city church, who has college, seminary, 
and post-graduate degrees, writes: 


Your course on evangelism has been of great value to me. I have used 
the material constantly in the preparation of sermons and addresses, and 
also in the teaching of classes. I wish to register at once for other courses. 


A colporter-missionary writes: 


The study has been a great blessing to me. Much new truth have I 
made my own, while other things almost forgotten came back with re- 
newed power. I am glad that I have taken this course. 


83. Staff Culture 


Not only the rank and file, but the staff officers as well, are 
provided with educational stimulus. The Staff Reading Divi- 
sion and Department Library is under the care of the veteran 
in the Department of Education, Dr. E. M. Stephenson. 


| 160 ] 





DAILY VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
At Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 





ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


The aim of this division is to offer the best reading in religious educa- 
tion to be found and to provide all of the newest books as fast as available. 
All field workers of the department are required to read six books each 
year, with the exception that (1) those who are enrolled in the Correspon- 
dence Division under Doctor Behan, and (2) those who are taking studies 
in some college or university or seminary in subjects related to this depart- 
ment, are excused from reporting to this division. It is interesting to note 
that but few, if any, have failed to comply with this requirement, and that 
many of the unpaid workers in the several States have been reading books 
ordered from this library. 


84. Architectural Uplift 


All recognize this as a great need of the denomination 
whether regarded from the point of view of cultivated taste 
or the more vital matters of public impression, psychological 
health, facility in evangelism, and educational equipment. In 
the latter connection, especially, the Publication Society has 
taken an active hand. When that splendid specimen of earlier 
American church architecture, the meeting-house of the First 
Church, Providence, was built “ for the worship of God and 
to hold commencements in,’ though at our prime educational 
center, it did not occur to any one to provide facilities for the 
study of the Bible by little children. When later Prof. John 
L. Lincoln, so long superintendent of the Sunday school, gave 
its jubilee history, he described in his own direct and vivid 
way the stages by which rooms were dug out underneath for 
Sunday-school work, the dirt wall being left, at one stage, on 
a steep slant. The majority of much more recent buildings 
put the sensitive little ones, for the sixty hours a year when 
their life-long impressions of what the Church of Christ means 
are being created, underground! In its Department of Archi- 
tecture, the Publication Society jointly with the Home Mis- 
sion Society, having Mr. Geo. E. Merrill, a vigorous Sunday- 
school worker, as Architect-Secretary, is fitted to raise the 
standards of building to new levels. The volume on “ Plan- 
ning Church Buildings”? by our own Dr. H. E. Tralle, with 
“Standards” by G. E. Merrill, marks a new era in Baptist 


[161 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


meeting-houses. The mere title of the chapter on “ Building 
for Teaching’ starts thought. One of the tracts of the de- 
partment is entitled “ Don’t Bury the Bible School.” It con- 
cludes: 


We who are in the Department of Architecture have before us many 
and varied tasks. For one thing we want to make churches more beautiful. 
We want them better planned and more honestly constructed. We want 
their usefulness widened, their service to the community amplified in a 
dozen ways. But none of these things, important as they are, seem to us 
more important than the abolition of the basement Sunday school. Indeed 
we cannot insist always upon beauty—or at least upon our idea of beauty— 
for we know better than to dispute about taste; nor will we always fail 
to accept some compromise in the plans we advocate or the construction 
we think proper—for reasonable men may differ upon all these matters. 
But there is one battle in which we will make no compromise. We will 
never approve the plans for any church which call for underground school- 
rooms. We intended, if we can, to pry the Sunday school out of its dismal 
hole. 


85. Standards 


One of the helpful advances has been the establishment of 
“ Standards ’”’ of excellence and the awarding of recognition 
for approach toward those Standards. 


A Baptist SUNDAY-SCHOOL STANDARD 
Adopted by the Northern Baptist Convention upon recommendation of 

the Commission on Religious Education. 
1. Extension 

(1) Cradle Roll. 

(2) Home Department. 

(3) New members’ canvass. 
2. Membership 


(1) Average attendance equalling sixty per cent. of the enrolment. 
(2) Enrolment equal to resident church-membership. 
(3) Reports annually filed with Sunday-school director or other de- 
nominational officer. 
3. Grading 
(1) International Standard. 
(2) Graded Lessons. 
(3) Annual promotions. 


[ 162 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


4. Evangelism 
Definite instruction, and invitation to pupils to accept Christ as Saviour. 


. Organized Classes 


(1) Adult classes. 
(2) Secondary division classes. 
(3) Certificates of recognition. 


qn 


6. Teacher-training 


(1) Class at school session or class of present teachers at some other 
time. 


(2) Correspondence-study students or representatives at summer as- 
sembly or training institute. 


7. Workers’ Conferences 


(1) Officers and teachers’ meeting at least monthly, prepared program 
based on workers’ library. 
(2) Committee on religious education. 


8. Special Instruction 


(1) Missionary teaching from the platform and in class. 
(2) Temperance instruction at least quarterly. 


9. Finance 


(1) Offering for current expenses weekly. 
(2) Regular offering for missions, including 
(3) An annual offering to denominational Sunday-school work. 


10. Special Days 


(1) Children’s Day. 
(2) Rally Day. 


A school certifying to the Sunday-school field officer recognized by the 
State Convention as meeting five of these ten main requirements will be 
called a Striving School; a school making seven requirements will be called 


a Star School; and a school attaining all ten points will be called a 
Standard School. 


“ The Baptist Sunday-school Standard Manual” (1917) 
takes up each item in the Standard and unfolds its meaning 
and describes ways of reaching the goal. This one little book 
really studied by the officers and teachers of any school would 
make a new day of many times multiplied efficiency. 

The Sunday School Standard served until 1924, when the 
Society joined in the movement of the International Sunday 


[ 163 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





School Council of Religious Education for a revision of the 
local school standard. 

By 1923-1924 “ Religious Education in the Baptist Program 
recommended by the Northern Baptist Convention,’ as pushed 
by the Publication Society, is so far organized and elaborated 
that space cannot be given here to its exposition. One out- 
standing achievement is the possibility of setting forth in a 
single table of four columns, “ Board of Promotion,” “ Sun- 
day School,” “ Young People,’ and “ Juniors,’ coordinated 
lines of educational endeavor for each month in the year. 


86. Stewardship Education 


Like all other benevolent organizations the Sunday school 
has been of necessity always seeking to instill the obligation of 
stewardship. In the latter half of the century this phase of 
education has grown in system and in emphasis. In 1875 the 
Society published and highly commended a book on ‘“‘ Wealth: 
Its Acquisition, Investment and Use,” by Dr. Franklin Wilson, 
a man of unique qualifications for writing on that subject. It 
is still current as it has been for nearly half a century. At 
our annual meeting in 1877 the great foreign mission secre- 
tary, Dr. J. N. Murdock, gave an address on “ Training our 
Entire Membership to Give Money to Advance the Kingdom 
of Christ.” It was in 1885 that the Publication Society joined 
the other national Societies in systematic endeavor along these 
lines. A joint General Committee on Christian Stewardship, 
with Rev. C. A. Cook, D. D., as its chief spokesman, did a 
vast amount of education work. His “ Stewardship ’’ (1900) 
had a circulation of 38,000 copies. Over one hundred thou- 
sand copies of his “ Stewardship and Missions” (1908) have 
been distributed. The Society has made available “ Steward- 
ship Among Baptists’ by that searching historical student, 
Dr. A. L. Vail, sometime secretary of The American Baptist 
Historical Society, and “ Modern Money Methods” and kin- 
dred intensely pointed and practical discussions by Frederick 


[ 164 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


A. Agar, Efficiency Secretary of the Northern Baptist Con- 
vention, as well as scores of other books and tracts on 
stewardship. 

The great revival in stewardship education in the denomina- 
tion just at the end of our century has had as a prime mover 
Secretary Gilbert N. Brink. 


87. Missionary Education 


The very first list of nineteen tracts included one on “ The 
Dreadful Superstition of the Hindoos.” Every one of the 
hundied years has added to the Society's measures for mis- 
sionary education. Its current catalog carries some seventy 
missionary titles. To tell of them all would almost be to 
retell the whole story of the years. When the Baptist For- 
ward Movement in Missionary Education, under Dr. John M. 
Moore, marked a new era in that work, the Publication Society 
was one of its constant promoters. ‘The Baptist Young Peo- 
ple’s Union has always been noted among great young people’s 
organizations for its large emphasis on missionary education, 
and never more so than during the periods when sustained by 
the Publication Society. The great step of establishing a 
joint missionary periodical of all our societies, ‘‘ Missions,”’ 
had at once the full backing of the Publication Society though 
it was to be published elsewhere. 

A page of the report of 1908 is an official record of signifi- 
cance: 

During the past year at least two steps have been taken.by your Board 
by which such coordination has been secured. The first of these is the 
publication of a children’s missionary paper. This paper, entitled “ World- 
Wide,” came into existence after repeated conferences and much corre- 
spondence with the representatives of various Foreign and Home Mission 
Societies. The Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, which 
had been publishing a children’s paper entitled “ Around the World,” agreed 
to discontinue that paper and transfer its list to the Publication Society. 
The American Baptist Missionary Union, The American Baptist Home Mis- 


sion Society, the various women’s Societies, Home and Foreign, pledged 
their cordial cooperation in the new venture. All general Baptist mis- 


[ 165 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


sionary organizations are expected to furnish matter for, and are repre- 
sented in the columns of ‘ World-Wide.” The first number of the paper 
was issued in January, 1908, and it has now a list approaching twenty-five 
thousand subscribers. The value of this agency in the missionary educa- 
tion of our young people can hardly be estimated. The other step in co- 
ordination taken by your Board during the year is in connection with the 
Baptist Forward Movement. In this movement, which comprehends and 
includes all the general missionary organizations, home and foreign, with 
headquarters in Northern States, the Publication Society agress to co- 
operate to the fullest extent. Under the terms of cooperation it will 
“carry the mission study literature of the societies, for which a charge is 
made, and will be the chief agent for the publication of all such literature 
for Sunday schools as shall be recommended for publication by the For- 
ward Movement Committee. The Publication Society will also place at 
the disposal of the Movement its facilities for getting access to Sunday- 
school officers.” 

As will readily be seen, this plan coordinates the work of the various 
Missionary Societies so far as the missionary education in Sunday schools 
and Young People’s Societies is concerned, and unifies the publication and 
distribution of the material required. Taken in connection with “ World- 
Wide Service,” and “Our Juniors,” the Forward Movement in missionary 
education rounds out a splendid scheme for giving our young people infor- 
mation and instruction in all phases of missionary work. We greatly 
rejoice that we are to have so large a place in the carrying out of the 
plans proposed, and heartily pledge ourselves to use our utmost endeavors 
to secure for the Movement the widest and largest success. Wherever and 
whenever the facilities of the Society can be employed to unify and coordi- 
nate the work of the denomination, we stand ready always to offer and 
use them. 


A graded system of mission studies for the Sunday school 
was established. A book on “ Missions and Missionary 
Teaching in the Sunday School” was prepared. Certain 
phases of missionary education are promoted by the Board of 
Education of the Northern Baptist Convention through its 
Department of Missionary Education. Our Society cooper- 
ates with it in important particulars. 

In addition to manifold extensions in the conventional types 
of religious education decidedly new types have been evolved 
in the clear providence of God, such as the Daily Vacation 
Bible School, Public School Religious Instruction, Social 
Service. 


[ 166 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


88. Daily Vacation Bible Schools 


Daily Vacation Bible Schools originated among Baptists, the 
first one being started by Mrs. W. A. Hawes (July, 1898) in 
connection with the Epiphany Baptist Church, New York City, 
of which Dr. H. L. Jones was then pastor. It is now 
planned to erect the tablet to the Rev. Dr. Howard Lee Jones 
and Mrs. W. A. Hawes, founders of the Daily Vacation Bible 
School, in Calvary Baptist Church to which the equity of the 
Epiphany Church finally passed. It is also hoped to erect a 
small tablet on the building at 324 East Seventy-first Street, 
where the first school was “ started.’ Dr. Robert G. Boville, 
in charge of the New York City Baptist Mission Society, was 
the foremost leader in putting this method of work into wide 
use. That was in 1901. There were in 1922 between three 
and four thousand such vacation schools in the United States. 


The underlying principle was to use vacation time for a period of from 
ten days to six weeks for school work in the field of religious instruction. 
Bible stories were given a prominent place in the curriculum, and in order 
to emphasize the play element, music, hammock-weaving or sewing, and 
other expressional forms of work received a relatively large amount of 
‘ attention. 


The Publication Society was asked by the Northern Baptist 
Convention to further this work. Accordingly in 1916 a Divi- 
sion of Church Vacation Schools was organized in the De- 
partment of Education. As compared with many new under- 
takings this work of the Society started out under full sail. 
This is because they were already launched and under strong 
headway and because Dr. W. Edward Raffety was called upon 
as the organizer. During the first three months service was 
rendered in thirteen States. Students were enlisted in eight 
colleges and seminaries as vacation teachers. Provision was 
made for new schools in thirteen cities. 


During a three-day conference in Philadelphia of all city mission secre- 
taries of the Northern Baptist Convention, it was agreed: That the func- 


[ 167 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








tions of the Daily Vacation Bible School Department of The American 
Baptist Publication Society should be: 


A. To foster the organization of new schools. 


B. To cooperate in the management of newly organized schools or 
groups of schools. 


C. To serve as the denominational Daily Vacation Bible School clearing- 
house. 


D. To create a body of Daily Vacation Bible School literature. 

E. To maintain a repository of Daily Vacation Bible School material. 

F. To help to standardize the schools: (1) As to qualifications and 
training of teachers: (2) as to schedule and curriculum; (3) as to the 
length of school periods; (4) as to records and reports. 


G. To secure and tabulate statistics of Baptist Daily Vacation Bible 
Schools. 

H. To stimulate interest in the Daily Vacation Bible School movement 
on the part of our Baptist educational institutions, both among students 
and faculty. 


I. To secure from colleges and seminaries Daily Vacation Bible School 
fellowships and scholarships. 

J. To give financial assistance: (1) In promoting the organization of 
new schools; (2) in developing schools now established; (3) in subsidiz- 
ing schools of a distinctly mission character in both city and rural com- 
munities. The Daily Vacation Bible School is full of great possibilities, 
educational, evangelistic, missionary, and social service, and sure to be a 
blessed ministry to child life everywhere. 


As far as could be learned there were in the territory of the Northern 
Baptist Convention in the summer of 1915 in connection with Baptist 
churches and missions, about seventy Daily Vacation Bible Schools, en- 
rolling about ten thousand children. Only ten of these schools were west 
of the Mississippi River, five being in Missouri. 


During the next three years Rev. Charles A. McAlpine pushed 
the work with versatile publicity and expanding equipment of 
promotional literature. The Aiken Institute School in Chi- 
cago had twenty-six nationalities and over 1,000 pupils. Since 
1920 Dr. Thomas S. Young has been in charge. In the six 
years from I916 to 1922 our vacation schools grew from 70 
to over 1,000 and from about 10,000 pupils to more than 
75,000. 


During the winter and spring of 1921-1922, fifty-six Intensive Training 
Schools were conducted or participated in. This Division promoted twenty- 


[ 1 68 ] 





VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 
In Long Beach, California 


een 
ee 
“eo 


ce ME Mga 


ia a a4 
"tl 


i © 
f re 
4 tars. ' 
Me 5 





ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


six of these directly. These were nearly all held in our colleges, semina- 
ries, and Bible and missionary-training schools. Twenty-six were held by 
State and city directors with the cooperation of the Division. Four schools 
were interdenominational in which the division had a major part. 


Outstanding values accrue not only to pupils but also to the 
church workers. Some are named in the report of 1921: 


Pastors. It is a question whether anything has come to the pastor in the 
matter of the promotion of religious work among children, that is equal 
to the church vacation school. The pastor who is willing to take an active 
part in his church vacation school has placed himself in a position to do 
three things: First, get a new vision of the possibilities of interesting both 
children and parents; secondly, obtain a new realization of the religious 
interests of children; thirdly, form an acquaintance with the young life 
of the community, possible to secure in no other way. Many are providing 
for a school of four weeks, rather than a longer period, in order that the 
pastor’s vacation may not be interrupted, and that there may be a better 
possibility of securing him active help in the enterprise. The pastor, work- 
ing with the older boys, means a new force operating in that church and 
community. Trained Workers. The increasing value of the church vaca- 
tion schools renders it vitally important that a trained leadership, be pro- 
vided in as large a measure as possible. This cannot be accomplished in a 
satisfactory way by bringing in trained workers, even though sufficient 
money is obtained to accomplish this purpose. What is needed is that 
local workers shall be trained to do the work in each community. It will 
then be possible for them, after the completion of the schools, to do the 
necessary follow-up work, utilizing the interest and information secured 
through the term of the school. Each of these trained workers becomes 
an abiding force in the work of the church and the center around which 
the interests of the child life cluster and make possible the largest and 
best results. 


89. Public-school Time Religious Instruction 


This extension in religious education, like the Daily Vaca- 
tion Bible School, was originated by Baptists. In 1910 Rev. 
D. D. Forward, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Greeley, 
Colorado, proposed to the authorities of the State Teachers 
College located there, that they give credit to pupils who had 
done prescribed work in his church Bible class. The plan was 
put in operation the next year when 250 elected the course, 60 
of them Roman Catholics. The Colorado Sunday School 


| 169 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Association pushed the plan. Roman Catholics joined Protes- 
tants in it, high-school credits as well as normal-school were 
included. It spread to other States. 

Quite independently a Baptist professor in the State univer- 
sity of North Dakota, Vernon P. Squires, secured through the 
State Board of Education a plan of high-school credits after 
examination on certain specified kinds of work done in church 
Sunday schools. 

These are demonstrations of the fact that the originally 
Baptist, and now long the American, plan of entire separation 
of Church and State, is compatible with securing religious 
education in cooperation with the public schools: The under- 
taking has had wide and various developments, of which the 
Gary plan in Indiana is the most noted. In 1922 the Religious 
Educational Association specialized on study of all the plans, 
affirmed their great promise of usefulness in meeting the 
need of more systematic religious instruction than can be given 
in the few minutes of Sunday-school time, and reaffirmed the 
fundamental principle of careful distinction between the 
Church and the State functions. 

In 1920 the Publication Society’s Division under Doctor 
Young’s care took on specific attention to the Public-school 
Time Religious Instruction. The next year it was able to 
report as 


Lines of Effort: (1) To keep fully informed of progress; (2) to give 
reliable information concerning this progress; (3) to advise and encourage 
communities seeking light; (4) curriculum and training. Curriculum. 
This division has prepared material for Baptist schools of types one and 
two. These have been prepared for the first, second, and third quarters of 
the first year for the Primary, Junior, and Intermediate Departments re- 
spectively, and have received complimentary notice from other denomina- 
tions. Training-schools for teachers in week-day religious education and 
church vacation schools have been conducted in Lansing, Michigan; Grand 
Forks and Fargo, North Dakota; Kansas City and Topeka, Kansas; and 
Rochelle, Illinois. Schools are planned for in connection with Shurtleff 
College, Ottawa, Des Moines College, Grand Island, Nebraska, and Col- 
gate. Before June 15, more than twenty of these training-schools will be 
held in connection with colleges, seminaries, mission training-schools, and 


[ 170 | 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


strategic centers. These schools are giving sixteen hours of intensive 
training, and will cost the Society and State Conventions in cooperation 
approximately $75 per school. 

Week-day religious education is a community enterprise and should be 
so treated. Three types of schools have developed, as follows: Type 1, 
denominational school—a movement of a single denomination. Type 2, 
denominational community school—a community movement, but each 
denomination conducts its own school and provides its own curriculum. 
Type 3, the interdenominational community school, supervised and con- 
trolled by a community board of cooperating evangelical churches. Types 
2 and 3 may be found in the same city. Without doubt public-school time 
should be used for these schools when at all possible. Two periods for 
each group of pupils each week is the common practise. If this time cannot 
be secured, then only should the schools be planned for other time. 

The growth of the movement for week-day schools has been so astonish- 
ing that it would be folly to predict what is to come in the immediate 
future. In January, 1920, not to exceed twenty-five cities and towns had 
either established or were preparing to establish Church Week-day Schools. 
In January, 1921, at least 100 cities had taken action. By June, 1921, the 
number had passed 150. In October, 1921, there was good evidence that 
approximately 200 places were in the list. At this time, March, 1922, 
reports indicated approximately 400 cities and towns have launched move- 
ments or are actually conducting schools. 


The endeavor of the Society is to give, in the light of mod- 
ern pedagogy, the Spirit of the Great Teacher to this phenom- 
enal development of opportunity. In doing that it could 
report in 1923: 

During the winter and spring of 1921-1922, fifty-six Intensive Training 
Schools were conducted or participated in. This Division promoted 
twenty-six of these directly. These were nearly all held in our colleges, 
seminaries, and Bible- and missionary-training schools. Twenty-six were 
held by State and city directors with the cooperation of the Division. 


Four schools were interdenominational in which the division had a 
major part. 


90. Social Service 


The collocation of words “ Social Service’ as a technical 
phrase, belongs to the later days, but the realities of it belong 
to the whole hundred years—to say nothing of the whole his- 
tory of Christianity, from the Master’s summary of .the 
second half of religion and its transforming effects in the 


[ 171 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Roman Empire to the adoption of the international armament 
reductions brought about by President Harding and Secretary 
Hughes. The Society has every year of its activities been 
bending energy to the elimination of anti-social factors in 
human life, the replacement of conflict by service. Our “ Sab- 
bath School Treasury ” in 1838 describes the complete refor- 
mation of a most degraded neighborhood in Providence, R. L., 
by means of ‘“ The Cove Sabbath School.” The same period- 
ical the next year reprints an address of Governor Seward on 
Democracy. Longer ago than many suppose all ministry to 
the commonwealth was counted sacred. 

Tract ‘ No. 2,” in the catalog of 1826, was “ Dwight on 
Drunkenness.” , This immediate plunge into social service was 
characteristic. Noah Davis in the annual report of 1829 
shows how the Society pioneered in the transformation of 
community life: 


A Baptist minister in the vicinity of this city, some time since took with 
him into the pulpit a copy of Tract No. 42, on Intemperance. The dis- 
course was adapted to his design, and in order to illustrate and enforce 
his arguments he read several portions of the tract. The attention of his 
congregation became deeply fixed, and at a moment when he thought them 
prepared, he told them, that henceforth when any of them came to his 
house, they must not be displeased should no ardent spirits be offered them 
for refreshment, as he should certainly discontinue the custom, and that 
when he visited them he should not expect, or desire any for himself. He 
assures us that the effect has been equal to his best wishes. This common 
and disgusting practise has ceased among a people by whom it was con- 
sidered a part of hospitality to invite, and of civility to accept the glass; 
while no one seemed to suspect that it was against the letter and spirit of 
religion, or likely to do harm, for Christian neighbors, when they met, to 
drink together. 


Years before the Society formally entered on the “ volume 
enterprise ’ it had a “ book” as well as tracts on temperance 


(1830). 


By an arrangement with the publishers of ‘“ Wisdom’s Voice to the 
Rising Generation on Intemperance,” the Society came into possession of 
the plates of that useful and important work. It contains 180 pages. 


[172 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


That book was the forerunner of uncounted books by the 
Society on the subject, such as “ The Sting of the Adder ”’ 
(1854), “ Joseph Murray, or the Young Prodigal” (1856), 
and a long series since. On this phase of the work of the 
Society let a few sentences from the reports of the Department 
of Social Service in recent years close the account: 

[1918.] The age-long fight of humanity against the liquor traffic is ap- 
proaching its final stage in our land. It has been a long, up-hill road, but 


the goal is now within sight. It is necessary that we make a special effort 
and achieve the victory. 

{1919.] It is fitting here that words of appreciation be written of the 
splendid service rendered both by Dr. J. W. Graves and Rev. J. Foster 
Wilcox in the effective campaign they conducted in behalf of the Constitu- 
tional amendment against the liquor traffic in our land. They had a real 
part in bringing about so quickly the desired and splendid result, and have 
placed our denomination and the American people as a whole, deeply in 
their debt. 


In 1922 the Department reported: 


The Eighteenth Amendment marks a great advance in moral progress. 
But we now face the long and difficult task of securing a fair and adequate 
enforcement of the prohibition law. The work of temperance education 
must continue for some years at least. 


The later portion of the long endeavor of the Society in 
behalf of temperance has been conducted by its personally 
organized Department of Social Service. For years there has 
been marked and growing interest in the social teachings of 
the Scriptures and the application of Christian principles to 
social life. Finally, at its meeting in Des Moines, lowa, 
May 29, 1912, the Northern Baptist Convention adopted a 
resolution commending to the favorable consideration of this 
Society the interest of social service and authorizing the Social 
Service Commission of the Convention to cooperate with the 
Society in promoting this important branch of Christian work. 

In accordance with this request the Board of the Society 
at its regular meeting, September 26, 1912, created a Depart- 
ment of Social Service and Baptist Brotherhood, and elected 


[173 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Professor Samuel Zane Batten, D. D., of Des Moines Col- 
lege, as its Secretary. Doctor Batten had long been one of 
our foremost students of these questions. ‘The work of the 
department was many-sided; and the Society soon invited 
other well-known men to join the department. The question 
of Temperance and Prohibition was pending in the nation; 
and Rey. J. W. Graves, D.D 3 of loway and Revai/iiioster 
Wilcox, of Massachusetts, were commissioned to promote the 
work. As stated above, they did valuable work and aided 
greatly in the campaign. ‘The question of the Country 
Church and Rural Life was another vital interest ; in line with 
this the Society enlarged the Social Service Department and 
created a section on Rural Life and Community, and elected 
Rolvix Harlan, Ph. D., President of Sioux Falls College, 
South Dakota, as Secretary. In 1919 some division of the 
work was made in cooperation with the Home Mission 
Society; and the work of Social Education and Brotherhood 
was made the special province of this Department. 

There are innumerable phases of social service. One of the 
deepest of these was recognized by the Board in 1839: 

How absurd the infatuation which would hoard treasures for a future 
generation, when the problem is yet to be solved whether the leveling spirit 
of infidelity shall not ere long break down the barriers of law and order 


and revel in the possession of these accumulations which, if earlier and 
more faithfully used, would have cured these social evils. 


Years later in 1923 that problem is not yet solved, but is now 
frankly to be grappled: 


The task of the Department is an interpretation of the social teachings 
of the Scriptures; it is an attempt to infuse the Christian spirit into social 
study and service. Perhaps the best statement of one part of this work 
is given in a Resolution of the Lambeth Conference in 1920: “An out- 
standing and pressing duty of the church is to convince its members of 
the necessity of nothing less than a fundamental change in the spirit and 
working of our economic life.” 


From “Tract No. 2” to the Constitutional Prohibition 
Amendment was ninety-three years, May we dare to hope 


[174 ] 


ENLARGING RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


that in far less time, if the Publication Society plays its part 
fully in its second century, this problem will be at least as far 
advanced as the other is now. 

But these two tremendous phases of social service are but 
two hues in the whole spectrum of Christ’s white light on 
human life, the problem of living together, each for all instead 
of each for himself. The reports of the department during 
the last ten years would be a disclosure to many, and the long 
list of pamphlets (23,000 leaflets in one year) would be a 
revelation—to say nothing of the books issued or recom- 
mended. If pioneering in the diffusion of light is the reason 
for the existence of the Publication Society, the Department 
of Social Service has helped to keep the last ten years quite in 
line with the whole hundred years, inspiring for still further 
advance. 


DIVISION THREE 
GROWING PRODUCTION OF LIGHT 


Behind the lights in houses, in public buildings, on the 
streets, behind the obvious trolleys which drive and warm the 
cars, behind the innumerable utilities of electricity, are the 
generators which produce the current. They are not ends in 
themselves. The work to be done is the object. But the story 
would not be complete without mention of the mechanism. 
If we look with care we may see every now and then that the 
mechanism itself is aglow. 


IX 
CENTRAL ORGANISM 


91. Democratic Constitutions 


It was the custom of the time in the early nineteenth cen- 
tury to base membership in benevolent organizations on 
contributions or on contributions combined with member- 
ship in certain other organizations denominational or phil- 
anthropic. It is doubtful if another can be found quite 
as unrestricted and inexpensive as the Baptist General 
Tract Society. The constitution drafted by James D. 
Knowles and adopted at the meeting of organization, 
February 25, 1824, proyided that “Any person may be- 
come a member of this Society by paying the sum of one 
dollar annually. The payment of ten dollars at one time shall 
constitute a person a member for life.” The Triennial Con- 
vention, ten years before, had made its membership qualifica- 
tion one hundred dollars per annum and membership in a local 


[ 176 ] 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


Baptist missionary society or church. The Publication So- 
ciety Constitution was in other respects also quite liberal. It 
could be altered at an annual meeting without previous notice 
and by atwo-thirds vote. The conditions of membership were 
modified from time to time, but remained exceptionally demo- 
cratic until the Northern Baptist Convention unified the con- 
ditions of membership in all its “ Cooperating Organizations ” 
and went to the extreme of democracy by abolishing all finan- 
cial conditions so that “ Any Baptist church may appoint one 
delegate and one additional delegate for every hundred mem- 
bers, but no church shall be entitled to appoint more than ten 
delegates.”’* Any one interested in this part of the story 
must read ‘ Baptists Mobilized for Missions,’ by Dr. Albert 
L. Vail, Chapter IV, published by the Society. Previous to 
1845, the Society, like all other similar organizations in Penn- 
sylvania, at first possessed only a limited charter. In that 
year the State of Pennsylvania granted a special charter, 
which, with various supplements, remains throughout the rest 
of our first century the legal basis of the Society. 


92. Board of Managers 


The conduct of the work was placed at the beginning in a 
“ Board of Directors ” composed of the President, Vice-presi- 
Geli centenecording Secretary, Uréasurer,, and: seven 
members of the Society,” all to be chosen by ballot at the 
annual meeting. In 1825 the number of Directors was made 
fifteen in addition to the officers. It was further increased to 
twenty-one in 1836. By-laws of the Board appeared the next 
year and onward. Among the enlargements of 1840 the num- 
ber of vice-presidents was made one from each State, at that 
time twenty-six. The provision remained as before consti- 
tuting the officers, with twenty-one other members, the Board 
of Directors. Therefore, fifty-one were elected that year. 
Five, however, as at the start, constituted a quorum. 


1See the Supplement for our Charters, Constitutions, and By-Laws. 


[177 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








When the Charter was obtained in 1845 the number of vice- 
presidents was reduced to “two or more” (it has commonly 
been about four), and the name of the administrative body 
was changed to Board of Managers. F'urther amendments 
were made in 1889 and 1906, but the constitution of the 
Board has not been essentially altered since 1845. It now 
consists of twenty-seven members, the President of the So- 
ciety, a First Vice-president, a Second Vice-president, a Trea- 
surer, one or more Secretaries, a Recording Secretary, and 
twenty-one other persons elected by ballot at the annual 
meeting. 

It differs from some of the other Cooperating Organizations 
of the Northern Baptist Convention in that its chief executive 
officers are not appointed by the Board but are members of the 
Board, 1. e., the Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secre- 
tary, and Treasurer. No one acquainted with the history of 
the denomination can read the names of the men who have 
served on the Board from the beginning * without discovering 
that a high order of ability has been laid at the feet of the 
Master in this long gratuitous ministry of business and pro- 
fessional men. Many of them from early times on have par- 
ticular mention in Part Two of this volume. It cannot be said 
too often that it 1s men only who are vital, not mechanism. 
The annual report of the Society in 1918 recognizes this in a 
way valuable as history: 


The Society should be informed of the faithfulness with which its 
Managers give attention to the business of the Society. With one excep- 
tion every member of the Board has attended one or more of its meetings 
during the year. That one has been continuously engaged in Christian 
work in connection with the military forces of the country, a large part of 
his service being wholly gratuitous. Seventeen of the members have attended 
every session. We have thought that the Society would like to know the 
business of each member of the Board, and we give the list herewith: 


W. B. Riley, D. D., Pastor First Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minn. 
Luther Keller, Manufacturer, Scranton, Pa. 


2 See Supplement. 


[ 178 ] 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


Harry S. Myers, Secretary Missionary Education Movement, New York 
Gaty. 

Guy C. Lamson, Clergyman-Executive, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Walter S. Bauer, Builder, Philadelphia, Pa. 

George L. Estabrook, Treasurer of Public Utilities, Philadelphia, Pa.. 

feevVeslsyell, Dai) Pastor -Firstsbaptist Church, (amden, NJ. 

W. H. Main, D. D., Pastor First Baptist Church, Chicago, IIl. 

J. J. Muir, D. D., Pastor Temple Baptist Church, Washington, D. C. 

eel Peacock, Librarian, Westerly, ‘R. 1: 

Paeeeuustin IL. Ds Lawyer-and Publicist; Philadelphia, Pa. 

S. G. Young, Hay and Grain, Lansing, Mich. 

Geo. D. Adams, D. D., Pastor Chestnut Street Baptist Church, Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

George K. Crozer, Retired, Upland, Pa. 

H. King MacFarlane, Merchant, Altoona, Pa. 

John D. Rhoades, Lawyer, Toledo, Ohio. 

Frank H. Robinson, Contractors’ Equipment, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

Levi L. Rue, President Philadelphia National Bank, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Joseph E. Sagebeer, Lawyer, Philadelphia, Pa. 

Harry Bainbridge, Structural Steel, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

H. E. Cole, Harris Pump Company, Pittsburgh, Pa. 

pebeeeGrititn, Meld, Physician, Philadelphia, Pa. 

James Lisk, D. D., Retired Clergyman, Sea Girt, N. J. 

J. Wm. Clegg, Official Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company, Phila- 
delphia, Pa. 

Robert F. Y. Pierce, D. D., Pastor North Baptist Church, New York 
City. 

W. Quay Rosselle, D. D., Pastor Fifth Baptist Church, Philadelphia, Pa. 


93. Executives and Departments 


“ec 


the man behind the 
gun,’ is preeminently true of the administrative officers whom 
God has given to the Society since 1824. 

At the outset the Society had under employment only one 
executive officer, called “ Agent.” The names used since for 
the chief executive have been “ General Agent,” “ Depository 
Agent,” “‘ Corresponding Secretary,” who since 1919 has been 
elected by the Board as its “ General and Corresponding Sec- 
retary,’ and to assist whom there is now an “ Associate Gen- 
eral Secretary.” 

The expanding work of the Society has required the addi- 


[ 179 ] 


What was said a moment ago as to 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








tion from time to time of departmental heads. The first to 
be added was an Editorial Secretary in 1849. A Sunday- 
school Secretary was appointed in 1871 and a Missionary 
Secretary in 1879, a Bible Secretary in 1883, a Sunday-school 
Periodical Editor in 1883, a Business Manager in 1884, a Re- 
ligious Education Secretary in 1908, a Social Service Secretary 
in 1913. Inthe course of vital, sometimes rapid development, 
redistributions of work have been taking place frequently and 
changes of title, as well as additions to the staff. At the end 
of the century there are ten “ Officers of the Board,” besides 
Chairman and Vice-chairman. The Departments are Finance, 
Business, Book Publishing, Sunday School Publications, Bible 
and Field, Social Education, and Religious Education. The 
Business Department requires a number of assistant superin-_ 
tendents (7 in 1922, omitting the Branches), the Sunday 
School Publication Department several assistant editors (5), 
and the Religious Education Department a number of division 
directors (9). The whole group of workers in the central 
organism, including executive heads, secretarial and clerical 
forces, and manufacturing wage-earners, numbers 243. This 
corps of administrators and executives and their helpers is not 
large considering the immense variety of work covered and 
the enormous amount of minute detail which must have in- 
cessant supervision as well as the large output of literature 
that is steadily maintained. 

The responsibilities of the chief administrators of an organi- 
zation grown to the magnitude of ours are not easily measured. 
One unusual point of strain was relieved in I901 as reported 
by the Board: 


For many years the position of Treasurer in our Society has been prac- 
tically nominal, the General Secretary acting as Treasurer, signing all 
checks, and giving detailed attention to all financial operations. The burden 
thus imposed, especially since of the fire of 1896, has been very great, and 
relief has been desirable. At a special meeting of the Board held January 
22, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee, the following 
resolution was unanimously passed: “ Resolved, That the duties of the 


[ 180 ] 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


Treasurer be made active, and that he give his entire time and attention 
to those duties, with supervision over the accounts, performing the duties 
of the present bookkeeper and such other as may pertain to his office. This 
action will greatly relieve and reinforce the General Secretary and secures 
to the Society the services of one of the ablest and most experienced busi- 
ness men in our denomination. 


94. Standing Committees 


In the venerable first annual report of the society we find 
included the “ Report of the Committee appointed to examine 
into the state of the Treasury and the application of funds 
of the Society.” The first time By-laws of the Society were 
printed (1836), Article I provided for four “ standing com- 
mittees,”’ “‘ Ist, a Selecting Committee” of five to procure and 
approve tracts for publication, “ 2nd, a Depository and Book 
Committee,” “‘ 3rd, a Committee of Ways and Means,” “ 4th, 
a Committee of Accounts.’ Eighty-seven years later the By- 
laws provide for nine standing committees: 


3d 66 


(a) Executive Committee. This committee shall consist of the chairman 
of the Board, a representative of each standing committee, and three others 
to be elected by the Board, and shall have the power to adopt its own rules 
of order. (b) Finance Committee. (c) Business Committee. (d) Print- 
ing-house Committee. (e) Book Publishing Committee. (f) Sunday- 
school Publications Committee. (g) Bible and Field Committee. (h) Re- 
ligious Education Committee, which may contain men and women not 
members of the Board, but selected for their special qualification in some 
branch of religious education. (i) Social Education Committee. 


It will be observed that two of the four standing committees 
at the early date were concerning financial affairs, and at the 
later date so were the first two after the Executive Committee. 
Any one can read the specific duties of the current committees. 
It is well to see that the fathers were equally careful in financial 
matters : 

The Committee of Ways and Means shall consist of seven members, who 
shall have the general superintendence of the Depository, and the direction 
of all the business which relates to the purchase of paper, contracts for 


printing and stereotyping, and whatever relates to conducting the publica- 
tions of the Society; they shall have charge of all the Society’s property in 


[ 181 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


this city, and shall attend particularly to its preservation. This committee 
shall present the annual account of stock, at the last regular meeting of the 
Board preceding the aninversary. They shall also attend to the pecuniary 
concerns of the Society; particularly to the appointment of traveling agents, 
and the direction of their labors, and to the establishment of Depositories ; 
they shall devise means for increasing the funds of the Society, and direct 
the General Agent in all operations which relate to this object; they shall 
also consider and dispose of applications for donations of tracts. .. The 
Committee of Accounts shall consist of five members, in addition to the 
Treasurer, who shall be an ex-officio member. They shall examine and 
correct all bills and accounts previous to their being submitted to the Board 
for approval; they shall fully examine the account-books of the Society, 
and report the result of their examination to the Board, at the regular 
meetings in March, June, September, and December; they shall direct the 
manner in which the accounts of the Society shall be kept; they shall 
examine and audit the Treasurer’s account, so as to present it at the last 
meeting of the Board, preceding the anniversary. 


Doctor Malcolm, Corresponding Secretary in 1846-52, 
wrote years afterward: 


The members of the Finance Committee, in these days, devoted one hour 
every week to the Society, meeting at 7 o’clock in the morning, before 
attending to their own business. The valuable time devoted to the interests 
of the Society by Christian business men, and also by the pastors, in the 
Committee of Publications, cannot be estimated. 


Doctor Main writes now: 


Our Finance Committee is a strong one, there being on it two of the 
leading bankers of Philadelphia. One is the president of the largest bank 
in the city. They give personal attention to the investment of our funds. 


It is noteworthy that in the whole century there has been 
but one defalcation. That is portrayed in full white light in 
the annual report of 1887. Not one cent of that loss was out 
of missionary contributions or funds. It all fell on the busi- 
ness department. Study the tables in the Supplement of the 
present volume, showing the vast number of financial transac- 
tions in our history and thank God for the care that has been 
exercised for one hundred years.: | 

This gratitude is due not only for the work of financial 


[ 182 ] 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 








“’ 

supervision but also for the incalculable time and thought 
freely bestowed on all the other great departments of the 
Society's work. If we put with that of the standing com- 
mittees of the Board the work of its special committees (9 in 
1923) and also the more cursory, but sometimes laborious 
work of committees of the Society, we stand before an incon- 
ceivably vast amount of voluntary, sacrificial service. 


95. A Double Star 


That is, “two stars apparently or actually so near to each 
other as to be indistinguishable except through a telescope.” 
That has always been true of the publishing business and the 
missionary business of the Society, at any rate since its book- 
stores became prominent. Unaided eyes seldom distinguish. 
The blending of vision is all the more natural because the two 
radiant suns are not only “ apparently ” but also “ actually so 
near to each other.”’ They are not a merely “ optical double 
star, the one in range of the other without having any physical 
connection.” They are a true “ binary star, the components 
revolving the one around the other under the influence of 
gravitation, forming a system.” Annual reports for at least 
seventy-five years have frequently attempted to put the tele- 
scope to the denominational eye so as to resolve the double 
star into its true components. The statement of Doctor 
Griffith in 1881 is lucidity itself: 


In keeping with the practise of most Societies of this class, whether they 
be Union or Denominational, and of this Society, for at least forty years, 
its varied work is distinguished under two heads or departments, to wit: 
That which conducts the publishing and ordinary selling through the 
markets of the country, and is denominated Business; and that which 
conducts the Bible-work and the granting of other publications, and also 
the Colportage and Sunday-school mission work, and is called the Mis- 
sionary. As misunderstandings are occasionally occurring in the popular 
mind upon the relations of these two departments, your Board has found it 
necessary, oftentimes, to explain and reiterate the distinctions that exist: 
As that separate accounts are kept for each, almost as if they were really 
two different and distinct Societies; that funds contributed, or in any wise 


[183 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


received for one department, are never appropriated, nor in any way used, 
for the benefit of the other; that contributions for business purposes are 
rarely ever solicited—only in exceptional cases, as for the erection of a 
new building or for some enlargement of business for which its ordinary 
capital or profits would not provide; but that contributions for the Mis- 
sionary Department are solicited, and that all contributions, therefore, 
coming to the Society—unless otherwise designated—are passed at once 
direct and entire to the accounts of this department, and there expended 
solely and only for the purpose for which the benevolent donors intended 
them; and, finally, that the Missionary Department, beyond a small per- 
centage of profit derived from sales by colporters and Sunday-school 
missionaries, and the income of a few special invested funds, has no 
resources upon which to depend for support, except the contributions of 
churches, Sunday schools, and individual friends, and therefore, only as 
these contributions are received, can it, any more than any other missionary 
organization, conduct its missionary work. 


Publishing useful tracts, books, and periodicals at a reason- 
able profit is by itself a holy service. Distributing such litera- 
ture and inculcating the truth through the added force of per- 
sonality is by itself a holy service. Instead of caviling about 
it we ought to be profoundly thankful that each one of these 
reenforces and promotes the other. The light of each of the 
stars intensifies that of the other. It is binary, a genuine 
double star. 


96. Headquarters 


The first home of our Society for the diffusion of light was 
appropriately in the office of the ‘ Columbian Star” which - 
was at the same time the office of the “ Latter Day Luminary.”’ 
They were at 925 E Street, N. W., in the capital of the nation. 
This was not a chance coincidence, it was a matter of careful 
design. The gifted originators planned the periodicals and the 
Society for the same purpose. The monthly “ Luminary,” the 
weekly “ Star,” and the every-day Tract Society were all de- 
signed to illuminate life, especially Baptist Life, which was 
growing in volume much faster than in education. Would 
that photography had been invented and used to help us in 
imagining the equipment and activities of that little publication 


[ 184 ] 






i / | 1/53 hl 


Tari 


0 = 


fe uaa enmonmenntnt eee inca nu Tramiel ino Tine 
ban no CO CCR MTEL 


_ ae tl ‘ia il Wl ii ia a qi i ~~ lh =i 


(HULA i i) a Temi = = 


aang ih = is a Wil IM Pa = 


re 





q 


| 











is 
























































tpettenenes aie aut TINT 


| Mii 
“ll hi AM HL HM | 

Wht ailiniltparsst iF liity Hl ilit’s 
Whi HH Mi MY Hi 
\ Lait lt il i | 
{ Doth Baa * eee ih) 
yy file's 1H CNET! {ITEC ALT ATE | A | 
yl iby il it) I it jin! I bi i 
| 1 ' t) 


TUT hy, HUT PAH aren 

fe MAT : ae 

He nu Lunn | ake ii ic CT | IA il | | I 
x — ! | ttn b ; tt \ aii tH mn LAT AAEM, 


WELL 
nn 







































































































































































































































































































































































pee t | ill 
PRMALLLTLIITN 






























































toe 














‘ 
(AAA CTATTC CELA UALLATOEEELCTTOTOTETOD gag 


OS -TIST PUBLIOAT | 
iy Tet i Phi a we anil 





















































E 


2 = 
fui SESS = =| re 
ES == = = 












































































































































See 
-= = = Sor = 
= 
OS aS 
— := 
= SS e mg | 
== x 7 Oe 
—e 5 ‘a 
= = int 
= SEB EB 
== —s =e 
<= = aie 
etS0 
=| 












































= =e 7 
== = 
a 
aioe 
aot to al 





0 4) a 



























































HEADQUARTERS OF THE SOCIETY 
At 530 Arch Street, Philadelphia 


y n ag = Ne me oi 
cella aie - 
, ene ene 


1, he 
; nw 
- { ey i) ty we he? 
Lig hi ' ? 
i i t | 
' ae | 
» 14 lin 
Fyivit 
“iy Nii, 
' 
' 1 f . 
Ly 
11 
my j/ f 
ne? 
yi 
7 
} 
f 
1 
“tf 
{ 
Ney 
‘i! 
fr re 
i 
. i r] 
% 
' 
ée 
) ) 
| 
) 
it | 4 
| , ‘ ‘ ' 
‘ bs ¥ 
i ‘ 
’ v 
7 
' 
7 
i] 
it ; 
‘ i 
| 
at 
AY 
a De ; 
‘aD 
‘Tatas (v 78 . 
Bas) 
Se : si 
i. baer ’ * ; 
2 ball ’ 
nie r3 ' 1 7 | 
hes ve kk. 
: 4 





CENTRAL ORGANISM 


place. This we do know, that it was intended to be and was a 
pioneer lighthouse of threefold power. 

The removal of headquarters to Philadelphia was a denomi- 
national event reflecting credit on the spirit of all concerned. 
It is well to have the story in the contemporary record of the 
“ American Baptist Magazine ”’: 


Experience having convinced that the City of Washington was not the 
most favorable location for the Society, at a meeting of the Board, held 
October 30, 1826, they passed the following resolution: “It appearing that 
the facilities of transporting tracts to distant parts of the Union, are not 
sufficient in this city to answer all the purposes desired by the Board, and 
that in several respects advantages would be enjoyed in Philadelphia, which 
this place does not present; and as the object of the Society is to effect 
the greatest possible good, with the amount of means which it may possess, 
Resolved, That the Rev. Noah Davis, one of the agents of the Society, be 
requested to visit Philadelphia, to solicit the cooperation of our brethren 
in that city and to confer with them upon the subject of the expediency of 
changing the location of its operations.’ Mr. Davis visited Philadelphia 
at the sitting of the Association, November, 1826, relative to this change, 
and laid the subject before that body when the following resolution was 
unanimously passed: “ Resolved, That this Association highly approve the 
object and plan of the Baptist General Tract Society, and are much pleased 
to learn, that it is contemplated to locate the seat of its operations in this 
city. We recommend the churches composing this body, to form Auxiliary 
Societies—contribute to the funds, and circulate the Society’s tracts; and 
we hope the whole denomination will give to this method of disseminating 
gospel truths, the attention and aid which it deserves.” On Monday, No- 
vember 6, a meeting of ministering brethren, of the city and vicinity, was 
held at the house of the Rev. John L. Dagg. The subject was discussed, 
and after much deliberation, those present agreed in saying, that “ should 
the Society determine to make the change, they will undertake to carry 
forward the work.” Agreeably to this arrangement, at a meeting of the 
Society in the City of Washington, November 14, it was resolved, that 
the seat of operations of this Society, and all books, plates, tracts, and 
other property belonging thereto, be transferred to Philadelphia, and that 
the Board be directed to carry this Resolution into effect. 


In Philadelphia the Society has been housed in eleven dif- 
ferent buildings, twelve if we include the printing-house.* It 
will be seen that in six of the homes we lived only from eight 


®’ Consult Supplement for table of dates and locations. 


[185] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


months to six years each. Five of the others were on the 
same street within four (actually less than three) squares of 
each other, two of them on the same lot. The last forty-eight 
years the homes have been on Chestnut Street, between Four- 
teenth and Eighteenth Streets. Twenty-six years the Society 
had its headquarters at 530 Arch Street (numbered 118 until 
1857). For three-quarters of the century we have lived in 
those two neighborhoods. In fact the briefer habitations 
previous to 530 Arch Street were in that vicinity, one of them 
for eleven years being only two squares away at 21 S. Fourth 
Street, and the next longest for six years, about the same dis- 
tance removed, at 31 N. Sixth Street. 

It was a great day for the Society when it first moved into 
a home of its own, 530 Arch Street. That was in 1850, after 
living in six rented houses for a quarter of the century. The 
building was four stories high and cost $17,430.83. <A build- 
ing fund, started in 1834 as a “ Tract Home Fund,” slowly 
grew to $25,000 by 1853, “to pay for the building and lot.” 
The building was at once so much too small that a committee 
reported favoring a new location, and announced the offer of 
$12,000 by two brethren provided $18,000 more could be 
- secured. But a long period of general financial depression 
postponed the project. Finally in 1861, the plant at 530 
Arch Street was considerably enlarged at a cost of $8,866, 
all given by William Bucknell and John P. Crozer. A portion 
of the original building fund had been made up by “ securing 
from 1,000 ladies $10 each.” Five-thirty Arch Street, Phila- 
delphia, entered into the consciousness of the denomination as 
one of its pivotal centers, like Tremont Temple, Boston. 

It was a quarter of a century after the keen conviction of 
the inadequacy of 530 Arch Street was tellingly voiced by 
them, before the “two brethren” of the Board saw their 
desires accomplished. By that time the work of the Society 
had grown to such dimensions that it took much more than 
sixteen thousand dollars (plus $18,000) to house it. The 


[ 186 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 








cost of the first building of the Society at 1420 Chestnut Street, 
entered 1876, was as follows: 


CMH Meo Nitra Wineries Oe le kyle toohs Ula a0 5 $100,000.00 
TU GIN Cat ETN Gh ee Gn cae shiek ae es oP hs whe wee es 147,754.69 
RAPTST TLIVES Wee cei e cele tiara rel ade We cea al ey 1,492.45 
Steain-power ngine and ohatting (ii. ssi. ak bl 8 1,690.71 
PARTIC T eM es Pee le icky Ue rea ee ew hee 1,782.68 
ECC RMT Oe Ciro etter auans ate tie: cs adel oe 2 1,456.15 
Interest on Mortgage to January 1, 1876 ............. 4,410.00 

$258,586.68 


The names of the original subscribers are interspersed in the 
list, but by selecting and adding one discovers that the facts 
are as follows: 


Daeroteproperty Jou Arch Street tay) ous ak a stiee fers $29,779.00 
PCN ESE CHM SUD SCLIDGLSH a. actin ake ook a taes oe ie 59,257.00 
Disyella dV hh TET AWE NO Valap 32 Suh Eon WER IR OR ee ean eT aR TCE 77,550.00 
Chewgeke UNE eat HRGEL ire 1 pid eh oR gt meat ASI UD tay aan EM ae ee 92,000.00 

$258,586.00 


This building was so monumental in the history of the 
Society, and its features suggest so much, that we read with 
interest the description of it in the Board’s report (1876) : 


The new building of The American Baptist Publication Society is 
situated on Chestnut Street, west of Broad. It has a frontage of 46 feet 
and a depth of 230 feet, extending to Sansom Street, and is five stories 
high. Four stories of the Chestnut Street front are of pure white marble, 
of the hardest and most durable kind. The fifth story is a mansard roof, 
covered with slate, and having ornamented dormer windows. In the design 
for the front, while on the one hand there is sufficient carved and other or- 
namentation, yet on the other hand great elaboration of small detail has been 
avoided. The design has an air of simple, quiet elegance. To this is united 
a boldness of conception even attaining a certain degree of grandeur of 
architectural effect. The door and window openings are all arched, and 
being unusually large, exhibit to advantage the great depth and massive- 
ness of the marble work, the thickness from the face of the front to the 
plate glass, being about three feet. These arched openings are all sup- 
ported on round columns, placed either singly or in pairs. These round 
columns are entirely separate, or clear of the marble work behind them. 


[ 187 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





In the first story of the front are two entrance vestibules, finished in hard 
wood, and tiled with marble. One is the main entrance to the store; 
the other is common to the store and the principal stairway to the upper 
stories. 

With the exception of the space devoted to vestibules and stairways, the 
store is in one grand room, of full width and depth of the lot; and for ex- 
tent, beauty, and commodiousness, is fully equal to anything yet constructed. 
The ceiling is 18% feet high in the clear, and is divided into panels by 
handsomely molded beams. Three of these panels are filled with glass, 
which, receiving light from skylights in the roof above, serve to light the 
entire center of the store. The front portion of the store is devoted to 
the retail business, and is fitted with tables and bookcases of highly unique 
design, in the nineteenth century Gothic style, and made of hard woods. 
These tables and cases also extend into the center store, one side of which 
is for the retail business, while on the other side are four large offices, for 
counting-room purposes. The rear portion of the store is for the whole- 
sale business. Here’the shelving extends from the floor to the ceiling, the 
upper part being reached from light ornamental galleries. 

Descending from the store to the basement, we first enter a large room 
extending from the front to the rear of the building, and running under 
the side-walks of both streets, thus giving a total length of 253 feet—one 
of the finest basement rooms in the world. It is lighted at each end by 
windows, and by Hyatt lights in the pavements; also at intermediate dis- 
tances by glass in the ceiling. This room 1s intended for the storage of 
paper, and other purposes where absolute dryness is essential. This is 
secured by hollow walls formed by brick linings, by patent cement floors, 
and by a complete system of ventilation. The space at one side of the 
large room is partly occupied by large fireproof vaults, covering a space 
of 128 by 16 feet, and intended for the safe-keeping of stereotype plates 
and wood-cuts. 

From the first story there are three stairways to the upper floors. One 
ascends from the store, one from one of the entrance vestibules on Chest- 
nut Street, and one from Sansom Street. In the second story is a large 
hall. This will be used for various convocations of ministers and others. 
It is a fine room, 33 by 57 feet, and 16 feet high in the clear. The ceiling 
is divided into panels by molded beams, and is neatly frescoed. The 
woodwork is in hard woods. In the second of the second story is a large 
library room and Bible Museum for the use of Sunday-school teachers, 
where the lessons will be taught weekly by leaders in the work. The 
greater portion of the upper floors is divided into offices, the most of 
which are intended for the various purposes of the Society, and a few for 
rent. All these office rooms are of large size, varying from 17 by 29 feet 
to 34 by 54 feet. On these floors are also some large rooms for printing- 
offices and binderies, the storage of books, sheet stock, etc. These have 
been made immensely strong. Ample provision has been made for the 


[ 188 ] 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


accomodation of the valuable library, pictures, autographs, etc., of The 
American Baptist Historical Society. 

No labor and expense have been spared in making the structure an orna- 
ment to the city, and in every way adapted to the vast and growing busi- 
ness of the Society, and at the same time accommodate, without cost, the 
Missionary and Benevolent Department of the Society’s work. A striking 
feature of the interior is the mode of admitting daylight to the center of 
the building. Any of the usual modes of lighting the center of a building 
of this depth, where erected between others, involves a great loss of space 
in all the upper floors, with skylights for the first floor. These skylights 
placed at the bottom of deep areas, retain snow and ice in the winter sea- 
son, and become sources of great annoyance. In this design the entire 
lot is roofed over at the fifth story. At three points between the front 
and rear, the roof is formed with glass. These portions admit light to 
three large light wells, which convey light to different rooms in all the 
upper stories, and to the before-mentioned glass panels in the ceiling of the 
store. This proves to be a most effective mode of lighting. It is novel, 
and attracts the attention of all the visitors to the building. There is 
ample light everywhere, even down to the basement. There is no other 
building of the size on the street so perfectly lighted. 

The entire building is heated with steam. The apparatus is so arranged 
as to take in the fresh external air, heat it, and conduct is to the various 
rooms, while the ventilation is so contrived that the cold and the impure 
air is carried off from the floors through ducts, to a large ventilating stack 
through which the vitiated air is discharged above the roof. 

In the Chestnut Street stairway vestibule is placed a passenger elevator, 
running to the upper floors. The car is finished in a very handsome man- 
ner, and is worked by steam-power. Many other conveniences are provided 
in the building—such as a freight elevator, a dumb-waiter, speaking-tubes, 
water in all parts, separate dressing-rooms on each floor for ladies and 
gentlemen, all of good size, and well lighted and ventilated. 

The building being a high one, there is a steam-pump placed in the 
basement to force water to the upper floors. Steam is also placed in the 
basement to run the machinery in the binderies. 


We can scarcely imagine the dismay when, after twenty 
years in this comfortable home, a fire starting in the art build- 
ing next door and spreading irresistibly, suddenly wiped it all 
out (1896). With it went many irreplaceable records, includ- 
ing the accumulations of the Society’s child, The American 
Baptist Historical Society. Happily, record vaults in the 
basement were safe. After two years in rented buildings at 
1632-4 Chestnut Street, Fourteen-twenty was rebuilt and 


[ 189 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





named the Crozer Building. It was in fact a new structure 
of twelve stories, having 143 offices above the first floor. 
With necessary equipment and furnishings it cost $636,695.75. 
After eight years it was sold for an even $900,000. It had 
been counted an excellent investment of some of the Society’s 
permanent funds on account of its choice location and its many 
offices for rent. But several other large office buildings were 
erected in the vicinity, and competition brought the rentals 
down to an inadequate level. In the annual report of 1906, a 
number of economic reasons were given for the sale, in spite 
of the sentimental reluctance to do so. 

Land was immediately procured at the northeast corner of 
Seventeenth and Chestnut Streets (44 x 125 feet) at a cost of 
$210,000. The building, including fixtures and furniture, cost 
$194,344.71. It is seven stories in height of the best steel 
construction with Mount Airy granite walls to the second floor, 
and light Kittanning bricks and terra cotta from the second 
to the seventh floors. It was at once declared to be “ in every 
respect better adapted to the work of the Society than any 
building we have heretofore owned or occupied.” Such is the 
home in which we live at the end of our first century. It is 
fittingly named the Roger Williams Building. With all his 
daring as a Pioneer of Light one doubts if he could have 
imagined such a noble and expressive monument and radiating © 
center of his ideals, being reared within two hundred and 
twenty-five years of his passing. 


97. Printing-house 


b] 


The first “‘ composing-room ”’ of its own which the Society 
had was ten years after it entered the Arch Street headquarters 
(1850), that is, in the early sixties. Still the set type had to 
be sent out to be stereotyped and printed. It was not until 
1886 that the Society obtained a complete printing-plant of its 
own. It purchased the plant already established in its build- 
ing, 1420 Chestnut Street, by a private firm which it had been 


[ 190 | 








































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































THE SOCIETY’S FIRST BUILDING 
At 1420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia 





ay ve 
i te, : hh) | ’ f 
> 4 ¥ BLAS : aes ‘4 
r he He a VEL the : 
' toa Hid tte ; ihe ie : 
CORA ih ; ‘oa 
1TH ee shy Ana 
! PAY {| yi F 
4 : i a ie 
i 
if Pet Oy 
oe j 
i 
' ; 
ll . 
1 i Hig 
yt 
* { oF 
‘WS 
* | 
1¥) 
nL 
, 
i 
: = 
ot 
' ip 
. ne 
\ ' 
/ 
| 
? de 
| 
ae 
y 
| 4 : 
Neue 09 ict 
iP 
yi) 
i ‘ ‘ 
q 4 
in 
{ . \ 7 
i] . 
‘ £ 
. ‘" 
-) 
‘ 
; av 
¢ 
’ 
» 
‘ : 
7 2 
, Pe fe] 
ww . 4 j * 
O-_ : , 5 it 





CENTRAL ORGANISM 








employing to do all of its heavier presswork. ‘These in- 
creased facilities became inadequate to meet the growing needs 
of the business. Within ten years it was found necessary to 
have a separate building for the manufacturing part of the 
work. Hence our present noble Printing-house at the corner 
of Lombard and Juniper Streets, Philadelphia. When one. 
thinks of the small facilities within reach of the “* Columbian 
Star’ and Tract Society office in 1824, while he visits the 
present home of The Judson Press, built but seventy-two years 
later (1896), he is deeply impressed with the swiftness of 
progress in the mechanics of light. The building itself is 
an embodiment of illumination by day or by night. ‘“* The cost 
of this establishment in entirety was about $200,000, while the 
added facilities inuring to the Society were beyond estimate.” 
Let a description of this technical building stand in the words 
of “ A Golden Century ”’: 


The Printing-house of The American Baptist Publication Society is a 
modern and imposing structure, of six stories in height and a basement. 
The building is a combination of steel, brick, and concrete, with wall 
facings of Pompeian brick. The distance from the ground to the eaves 
of the building is exactly one hundred feet, and the floor space is equal 
to about 50,000 square feet. 

On the second, third, and fourth floors are our presses, stitching- and 
cutting-machines, and binders. There are thirteen cylinder-presses, four 
job-presses, and one rotary-press. On this latter press our popular paper 
Young People is printed. It is printed directly from the roll and comes 
out entirely finished and folded. Seven hundred thousand feet of paper, 
equivalent to 18,000 pounds, is used in one issue of Young People. The 
rotary-press completes 4,000 copies of Young People each hour. All our 
presses are automatically fed. In the Bindery Department there are six 
folding-machines, four cutting-machines, two of which are of the latest 
type three-knife trimmers. An untrimmed book placed in one of these 
machines comes out trimmed at the top, bottom, and one side. Two auto- 
matic wire stitching-machines tie together our periodicals. Each machine 
throughout the printing-house is equipped with individual motors, and the 
power is furnished by the electricity produced in our own plant. In the 
press-room there are made approximately three million impressions per 
month. Reckoning on the basis of a working week of forty-four hours, 
this means that our presses and other machinery turned out over five com- 
plete periodicals every second. A book of three hundred pages can be 


[191 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





printed in less than ten minutes, an entire copy of the Bible in two minutes. 
One hundred and five employees are required to handle the enormous busi- 
ness that passes through our Printing-house. The fifth floor is an ex- 
ceedingly busy place. Here are located the Periodical and Mail Order 
Departments, and also the Mail Order Shipping Department, from which 
are sent out monthly many thousands of packages. In the Periodical 
Department last year orders were filled for 49,292,926 periodicals. The 
top floor is occupied entirely by the Composing and Foundry Departments. 
Here, in a blaze of exceptionally good light, are eight linotype machines, 
and a fully equipped Electrotyping Department. 


The writer of the present volume visited the printing-house 
for the first time recently and thought he detected a psycho- 
logical atmosphere there which he was able to understand 
better than he could the dazzling mechanisms of the place. 
The spirit of fine Christian intelligence in the superintendent 
of the printing-house—who with others in the building has 
been for many years “ on the job ’’—seemed to be alive with 
the purpose of the plant, a diffusion of light. It was reflected 
in many a face on every floor. ‘To appreciate the significance 
of this to the denomination one should read in the annual 
report of the Board for 1922 the full discussion of “ The 
Forty-four Hour Week” problem, closing with the statement, 
“The whole matter was discussed with our employees at the 
printing-house with perfect frankness, and together we faced 
the problem.” The agreement reached 


saved the Society from a costly strike and the men from a long period 
of idleness. The Board is glad to express its appreciation of the loyalty 
of the men at the Printing-house which made possible this solution of a 
difficult problem. 


Since the printing-house is quite central in a Publication 
Society we may leave it in a cheerful mood looking through 
the experienced eyes of Robert G. Burdette, as he rollicked at 
the annual meeting of the Society in 1886 through an extended 
and withal suggestive address on “ The Society’s Composing- 
room.” The first paragraph is as follows: 


We stand in the composing-room. It is so called because nothing is 
composed in it. Whatever is composed in the editorial rooms is dis- 


[ 192 ] 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


composed in the composing-room. The compositors are in a placid state 
of infinite deliberation, the foreman is a feverish cyclone of impatient haste. 
A foreman with plenty of time, and plenty of space, must be as great a 
rarity as a fat skeleton. The foreman stands at the imposing-stone. Here 
he imposes upon the editor the pleasant little fiction that every week he 
puts thirteen columns of matter into a scven-column paper. He resents, 
with a fine contempt, the idea that the editor knows anything about the 
printing business. There is here a wide gulf of difference between the 
foreman and all other people, who resent the idea that the editor knows 
anything about anything. However, the editor knows that he knows some- 
thing about everything; thus we strike a good, substantial average. The 
foreman does not fear the editor, nor the president, nor the subscriber, 
nor the Board. He does not fear anybody. The foreman is the corre- 
sponding secretary of the composing-room. 


98. Income 


The first year the income was $373.80; the ninety-ninth year 
it was $2,425,731.28. The latter, in proportion to the work in 
hand, was smaller than the former. It was also smaller in 
proportion to the development and ability of the denomination. 
The heartaches of the hundred years at headquarters have 
been on account of lack of adequate means. ‘This portion of 
the history is made brief not from want of material, but from 
want of profit in dwelling upon the painful business. The 
annual reports are burdened with it. 1826: “ Must then the 
want of funds remain an insuperable obstacle to the circula- 
tion of Baptist Tracts in the United States? We trust not.” 
1923: “ We have received a total of $88,016.72 which is an 
increase over the preceding year for the same time, of 
$13,302.73; but a shortage in our budget expectancy of 
$78,868.28.” The financial pages would make a volume 
several times the size of this. The men who have had to 
write them for a hundred years are the very men who have 
had the agony of trying to make one dollar do the work of 
two. Commonly each new General Secretary has struck hope- 
ful notes to begin with and discouraged notes later. Some 
administrations have been largely characterized by complaints 
in this matter, all have been pathetic with plaints. Perhaps 


; [ 193 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


it was helpful in making the longest administration long that 
it began in an hour of deep financial distress for the Society as 
well as for the country. That administration had the joy of 
great improvement, though even with all the circumstantial 
factors which gave it unique financial strength, it was not 
without seasons of great, keenly felt need. Almost the only 
years of plenty have been when the Crozer Building was sold 
at a profit of more than a quarter of a million dollars and the 
few years when especially great legacies have come in. _ It 
was the fifth decade before the total income was as much as 
one million dollars in ten years, and the tenth decade before 
“it reached ten millions. Nearly forty-two million dollars 
ageregate income for the century looks large, but when you 
divide that by one hundred years and remember that more 
than three-fourths of it was in the business department where 
only four or five per cent., often less, was profit, you see how 
little it all came to as annual dynamic current for illumination 
of the world. If in their days of small things those prophetic 
giants, Luther Rice or John Mason Peck, who longed so pro- 
foundly for the enlightenment of the denomination, could have 
foreseen for one hundred years an average income of actual 
benevolence through their Publication Society amounting to 
over $70,000 a year, it might have looked good to them. But 
if they could have also foreseen that at the end of the century 
there would still be so many uncultivated Baptists chewing 
gum, costing more than that every year, they could not have 
been ecstatic. 


99. Ways and Means 


Auxiliaries were “the chief source.” Life memberships 
were next in the early days. 

Inducement gifts have often helped greatly. The first was 
that of Mr. N. R. Cobb, of Boston, in 1828. His five hundred 
dollars on condition that Philadelphia Baptists raise an equal 
amount by a certain date, produced one thousand dollars. 


[ 194 | : 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


It ought to be known also for the honor and gratification of those breth- 
ren and friends in Boston and Philadelphia, who so generously contributed 
the sum of one thousand dollars as an entire donation, at the close of the 
_ year 1828, that by that means the business of the year 1829 has been con- 
ducted without embarrassment. 


Legacies began in 1829. 


Two legacies have been left to the Society. One of $20 by a “ Sister in 
the Lord” in Connecticut, to constitute her minister and physician life- 
members, which has been received; and another of $500 by Deacon Josiah 
Penfield, of Savannah, Ga., which will not be received under two years. 
We trust that other friends of Christ will be led to remember us not only 
in life, but also in death. 


Eight other legacies come year by year for the next five years 
ageregating $800. The first legacy of four figures came in 
1838 from Mr. Thomas W. Colman, of Randolph, Mass. The 
first of five figures in 1845 from Rev. Amos Dodge, of Illinois. 

Five-year programs were adopted in 1835 and again in 
1844. The former proposed for the Great Valley “to raise 
one thousand dollars or more, annually, for five years, by sub- 
scriptions of five dollars each,’ provided that two hundred 
subscriptions could be obtained during the year.. Two hun- 
dred and fifty-two were obtained, but the payments made were 
only $662.50. The next year the payments were $285.80, the 
total paid during the five years was $3,471.66. But this out- 
come did not discourage the fathers. They soon (1844) 
launched another five-year program, ten times larger than the 
former. 


The Board recommend to the Society a direct and persevering effort to 
raise fifty: thousand dollars, in five years, at the rate of ten thousand dol- 
lars each year, on the following plan: 


To obtain each year twenty Life Directors at fifty dol- 


ele CRYO NE MG Tet SO te Repel ae Store co. Sk hy SOY aS ae $1,000.00 
One hundred Life Members at twenty dollars each ..... 2,000.00 
Five hundred Annual Subscriptions at one dollar each .. 500.00 
In public collections, donations, legacies, etc., say ....... 1,500.00 
This provides to the Society direct .............0eeeeees $5,000.00 


[ 195 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Then suppose fifty Associations, State Conventions, and other auxiliaries 
raise each on an average one hundred dollars, for a “ Book Fund,” in each 
of these bodies, to be invested in books through our Depository, to be 
their permanent “ Book Fund” to be under the supervision of a committee 
of their own choosing, and the books to be sold by their colporters or mis- 
sionaries. This would provide to the denomination annually for five Mays 
$5,000, making Ten Thousand dollars each year. 


An apportionment plan was tried in 1842 and reported the 
next year as follows: 

The attempt, or rather a recommendation, of the preceding year, to raise 
a permanent fund for publication, by means of an average contribution 
of ten cents per member from our churches, had proved an utter failure. 


Instead of $60,000 or $70,000 to have been obtained in this way, it appeared 
that the entire contributions of the year amounted to only $1,550.95. 


It was pushed in one way and another until it resulted (1848) 
in our first permanent fund, the Publishing Fund of ten thou- 
sand dollars. ! 

Building Funds were created from time to time as required. 
The first one was called a Tract House Fund, the women being 
especially solicited for that at first. It was completed after 
more than a dozen years as the Twenty-five Thousand Dollar 
Building Fund. (1853.) 

As soon as that was done a movement was begun to secure 
what had been repeatedly spoken of as an essential need, a 
working capital. In 1853, fifty thousand dollars was talked. 
By 1856 it was determined that it should be one hundred 
thousand dollars. Seven members of the Board stood pledged 
at once for twenty-three thousand dollars, nearly one-fourth 
of the whole, and forty people for forty thousand dollars. 
The Society voted: 


That we cordially approve the proposal to raise the sum of One Hundred 
Thousand Dollars, not more than thirty thousand to be appropriated to 
buildings, and the remaining seventy thousand to constitute a Publication 
Capital for this Society; and that we earnestly commend this object to 
the wealthy members of our denomination, and urge its speedy accomplish- 
ment. 


[ 196 ] 





























































































































| i veh 
Ht 
Mh 
i 


I 


Wl 


I 


‘Aik 


MAW I 



























































MMU 


[enn 




































































































































































Ve 


4 










































































































































































































































































































































































THE CROZER BUILDING 


Sil iii al dT SRR RR Ae Ok 
ered Wa AMOR? Pe ile Rr aS ‘ 
a : 








| IN RA CMAN 
iat . ~ ' : 
: 1 q be nb A =the 
7 : i ; Nis 4 1, game ee a ed Pui i 
; Gay he) Oe oa ce ; a 
i ’ i} é 
a Wee) ‘i , 
1 PRR bs | 
on J J J 
j fis 
> naa | { La 
| ‘ 
ut we 
‘ sy f es die es) 
‘ ¥ ’ if “A ’ » 
aa at J 
oa , vi 7G 
7 < oer ’ 
te fie Oe es 
a Ps 
yp 
t% Of A . a 
y i 
“4 iby 
j 
e “ 
hy : * _ 
bs sal ‘ 
> j 
nike 
Peat Ne . 
{ 7 | 
4 7 h 4 
a | 
gis at 
4 
‘ , ; F 
ad - 
/ 
| ' 
hal F 
4 vw 
- } 
- 
' 
tae’ *8 , 
* 
E v 
U ¢ 50 the 
» ‘ . ft } i 
: S y a 
° 
ral i 
! t 
i 
“ 
4 . * 
a, 
* apt 
i 
ae j 
¥ b 
: 1 
ers i 
Le ry ' 
: 5 
cs 
! 
. t * 
’ . 
P > 
~ 
foe . 
| <a ‘ 
i r ) 
* . ‘al 
ee 
lwit 
| i 
a0 
a U if, . 
1 t 7 4 if 
- | al 
‘ aS 
| (lial 
» ¥ if’ ‘ 
. 
J uae ‘ ¥ 
. » om | 
ce | . 
’ rt i ¥ 
f F “? 
2 j 
hae 
‘ : ; Ae 
' ae | * or, 
: »* is 
' } ' a a 






a a 8% 
prev ere 
i. a 


— 


7 1) 
Lia) Bi, 
ae a o\E ee 


- 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 


This fund was never completed in the precise form pro- 
posed. But soon after the Civil War three John P. Crozer 
endowment funds amounted (1867) to $65,000. At the end 
of another ten years the Crozer endowments had reached the 
full $70,000, and the building equipment was more than eight 
and a half times as much as the thirty thousand dollars voted 
as the maximum twenty years before. Of this form of en- 
dowment the “two brethren” and their families had given 
$169,550 and for both building and other endowments 
$239,550, 1. e., over two and one-third times as much as was 
proposed for the whole denomination in 1856. 

Promotion days have been used to great advantage in secur- 
ing contributions for current benevolent work. The second 
Sunday in June was set apart in 1850 as a Publication Society 
day, on motion of Rev. Thomas Malcom, seconded by Rev. 
Heman Lincoln: 


Resolved, That we earnestly request that prayer may be especially offered 
in behalf of the Society on the Second Sunday in June, and that simulta- 
neous collections be made on that day for the Building Fund. 


Its observance was urged from time to time. The establish- 
ment of it in 1884 as Children’s Day with elaborate informa- 
tional features is thus described: 


The observation of the Sunday-school Centenary, four years ago, by the 
Sunday-schools of our denomination, in response to the call of this Society, 
was so successful in all those respects, from which it was hoped that good 
would result, that your Board has been encouraged to recommend, this 
present year, the observance of what is termed the “ Children’s Day ” by the 
Sunday schools of our country. It is proposed that it be, not only a day 
of gladness to the children and youth, but an occasion for special instruc- 
tion in reference to missionary work, and of liberal contribution toward 
the enlargement of the Sunday-school Mission Work of this Society over 
our country. As on the former occasion, a full Program of Exercises has 
been prepared, with a special letter to the children, and hints to superin- 
tendents relating to working of the plan—all the material being furnished 
free, on condition that a contribution be taken and forwarded to the 
Society for the purpose stated. Your Board has believed that such a day, 
not only in bringing the children and youth into the services of the sanc- 


[ 197 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








tuary on the Lord’s Day, but in imparting to them information on mis- 
sionary work and stimulating them to generous giving for the same, would 
result in incalculable good—both in what would be provided for immediately 
enlarging missionary work in our country and in the training that would 
be secured to the rising generation for future service in the Lord’s kingdom. 


The income from it that year was $9,055.58, for the last year 
in which it is separately reported (1911), $22,692.99. 

‘“ Bible Day” in November was established the same year, 
naturally enough in view of the success of Children’s Day. 
Bible Day in 1884 brought in $8,547.48. In the last recorded 
year, 19090, its returns were $2,453.93. 

For twenty-five years both these days were observed. Some 
years the combined returns of the two were over thirty thou- 
sand dollars, e. g., in 1899, Children’s Day, $21,972.90, Bible 
Day, $10,916.50. For much of the quarter of a century they 
amounted to more than twenty thousand dollars a year. 
Minute examinations would probably show that Promotion 
Days have secured three quarters of a million dollars or more. 

The profits of the business department of the Society have 
been leading “ways and means” for the benevolent depart- 
ment all along the century. Whenever there have been profits 
that is what has become of them. Whenever there have been 
lean years of loss in the business, its debts have had to wait 
for the fat years to clear them off. The financial contribu- 
tions of the business to the benevolence through the hundred 
years would make an instructive volume by itself. It would 
also require an expert accountant to do it justice. Let these 
sentences from a recent annual report (1916) picked out of 
the hundred annual reports almost at random serve as a 
sample: 


An examination of the Treasurer’s Report for the past few years will 
show that the net profits of the Society have been about five per cent. on 
the amount of business done. It should be remembered that, with the 
exception of a small reserve to meet any business contingencies which 
may arise, every penny of the profits of the Society is expended in mis- 
sionary work, and in the making of grants to poor and struggling churches, 


[198 J 


CENTRAL ORGANISM 





Sunday schools, ministers, and missionaries. For the present year the 
amount transferred to the Missionary Department is $43,931.59. 


“ Conditional Donations” or annuity gifts form another 
important way and means, 
by which you can give while you live and receive our gilt-edge bond for 
the faithful payment of a high rate of interest during the lifetime of your- 
self and any other beneficiary whom you may designate. After your 


decease the principal can be used for the distribution of the Bible or other 
missionary work. 


Apparently this attractive proposition was not made or was 
not appreciated in the early days. It is largely a twentieth- 
century way. In 1880 there were only eight such conditional 
donations in force, aggregating $14,008.55. In 1921 there 
were exactly 200 in force, aggregating $1,115,505.01. Actu- 
arial estimate shows that the final net to the Society is about 
sixty per cent. of the original donation. 


100. Endowments 


It has been a long accepted principle that educational insti- 
tutions need to be endowed. The spiritual welfare and vital 
interest of the living generations raise a question how far it 
is best to have other current work of the churches endowed. 
Much of the work of the Publication Society is educational 
so that its need of endowment is beyond question. Doctor 
Griffith cultivated the giving of permanent funds as we have 
seen in the section on Ways and Means. Before his day there 
were but two established, amounting to $12,500. Nine were 
added in his first twenty years. The story of such funds is 
told as far as space allows in the table of the Supplement 
giving a list of them. One hundred and twenty such funds, 
aggregating $767,127.56 (1922), is a noble list. In the 
second century of the Society this three quarters of a million 
dollars in endowment with which it begins should grow to 
many millions. 


[ 199 ] 


Xx 
BIBL DECON TES Cals 


For the creation and maintenance of a constituency, the 
securing of spiritual and financial strength and for the de- 
velopment of workers, the great philanthropic undertakings 
of the early nineteenth century depended largely on member- 
ships, auxiliaries, agents, and annual meetings. 


101. Degrees of Membership 


The basic membership of the General Tract Society was 
only one dollar. ‘The payment of ten dollars at one time 
shall constitute a person a member for life.” Soon (1828) 
Life Directors also were provided for a contribution of $25. 
The next year fifty-nine of these Life Members and Directors 
were added to 193 previously obtained. After a few years 
these initiation fees were doubled. Among other things it 
was urged that “the female members of all our churches 
constitute their pastors life members or directors.” Adoniram 
Judson was made a member “by females in Richmond.” 
These members received tracts for distribution at a reduced 
price, twelve pages for one cent instead of ten pages. The 
number of new members of these varying degrees was reported 
annually and their names were printed. Honorary life mem- 
bers were later substituted for life directors. Many are living 
at the end of the century on whom those memberships were 
conferred and whose status is provided for in the current 
By-laws. Back in the forties a provision was in force designed 
to promote the circulation of the Society’s publications and at 
the same time to invite new contributions to the work, stipulat- 
ing that “all Life Directors and life members are entitled to 
receive back in the books of the Society one-half their sub- 
scriptions.” : 


[ 200 | 





THE ROGER WILLIAMS BUILDING 





FIELD CONTACTS 





102. Auxiliaries 


Auxiliaries were the corner-stones of our early mission- 
ary organizations. he first annual report (1825) says: 
“Funds are indispensable. To procure these the auxiliary 
societies form the chief source.” It was assumed that the 
churches as a whole could not be expected to enter into such 
questionable undertakings. Groups of the well-disposed were 
formed into auxiliaries, thirty-eight the first year. In the 
case of a Tract Society there were especial relations of give 
andstakes 


The friends of the Baptist General Tract Society are affectionately urged 
to form more societies. It is very desirable, and necessary to the enlarged 
success and utility of the work, that the Tract Society be formed and kept 
up in every church in the United States. Those who are disposed to unite 
in this undertaking will please observe the following facts: Those Societies 
which give one-fourth of their receipts to aid the operations of the 
General Society are considered Auxiliaries, but the contingent expenses 
are so many, that to give energy and enlargement to the work, they should 
contribute for the present at least one-half. Subscribers of 50 cents will 
then receive 300 pages, which number it is hoped the Society will be able 
to add to its series annually. Tracts of 12 pages and over are covered 
gratis. (1828.) 

It is mainly to its auxiliaries that the Society must look. (1829.) 


By 1830 there were 322 of these auxiliary tract societies 
reported. 

But a great denominational advance is marked in the report 
of 1845, the last year of Peck’s administration. 3 


The Board of Publication Society have been cautious about forming 
small societies under the name of auxiliaries, as was customary in our 
benevolent associations in former years. Very few such societies have been 
efficient, and a large proportion that have been enrolled on annual reports 
have not lived till the second anniversary. Our churches, Associations, and 
State Conventions (or as called in the South and West, General Associa- 
tions) are permanent societies for every good work. These bodies are 
admirably adapted to carry out our plans of operations in their respective 
fields. Several State Conventions have an organized appendage for Sab- 
bath school and publication efforts. 


[201 J 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Then follows an interesting account of such active relation- 
ships in eight States in various parts of the country. This 
was the foregleam of organic relations with State Conventions 
existing in 1924. 

The relative sources of support in the early days can be seen 
from the following in 1830: 


Of the sum received from January 7 to January 6, 1830, 
the amount from Auxiliary Societies, including their 


doirations, -andsior, tracts sold issn, eae ee Par ate | $3,879.60 
From Life Members, Life Directors, and annual Sub- 

Scribets ised eines oe ee ae Oe eee One 660.60 
From Donors, no part to be returned in tracts .......... 861.99 
From Societies and individuals for the publication of 

‘Fracts vin» Bittinaliz dementia anes Sense Pac ee ee 134.20 

$5,536.39 


103. Annual Meetings 


One of the considerable factors in maintaining contact with 
the denomination has been the annual meetings. They have 
not only brought the Society and its officers to an annual 
review of the work (invaluable in itself) but have stimulated 
the intelligence and interest of the denomination to an extent 
which cannot be measured. In some of the years, both 
earlier and later, not only have reports been printed but also 
addresses. Any one who goes through these thousands of 
pages discovers that the master minds of the denomination 
have spoken at the ninety-nine annual meetings and have in- 
jected great stimulus. Add the other propagative literature 
which the Society has published, and you see that the contacts 
through the press and viva voce have furnished immeasurable 
circulation of life-blood. 


104. Depositories and Branches 


In the early days the word Branch was used for the regional 
organization auxiliary to the General Tract Society and itself 


[ 202 ] 


FIELD CONTACTS 


composed of local auxiliaries. But in all recent times it is the 
name for branch book-stores. : 

This is a long, complicated, and ever-perplexing matter. 
The first year ten Depositories were established: Hudson, 
Newey miladelphia, “Pa, Norfolk, Va., Richmond, Va.; 
PaticstOi oO avannaln.. Gas wiliosta,.(aa,,. Marietta, ©. 
In 1828 there were twenty-five Depositories. Let Doctor 
Brown’s summary of the situation in 1836 suggest the com- 
plications inevitable: 

Of the fifty-three Depositories, twenty-eight were owned by the Parent 
Society, besides the General Depository in Philadelphia; eight by Branch 
Societies; seven by Auxiliaries; four by associations; two by Theological 
Institutions; and four by individuals. For want of prompt payments in 


many places the Board were crippled and the Society embarrassed in its 
operations. 


For years they dealt only or mainly in tracts, but later 
they became general book-stores. It is a long, long chapter of 
frequent ups and downs, contractions and expansions. For 
example in 1869 and ’70 “ Sunday-school Book-stores ’”’ were 
opened in New York, St. Louis, Chicago, and Boston, with 
glowing local accounts. ‘“‘ The Board regard the opening of 
these Branches as marking an important era in the history of 
the Society’s progress.” It is true that the one in New York, 
established with a special fund of $10,815 raised by friends 
in New York and Philadelphia, though very promising at the 
end of the first seven and a half months, had beforehand 


called forth many grave doubts as to success on account of being located 
in an entire new locality, No. 76 East Ninth Street, in the upper part of 
the city unknown to business until within a very short period. 


If it was not one thing, it was always another with our 
branches in New York City. Let one more quotation suggest 
pages of history. Leaping from the first quarter of the cen- 
tury to the last quarter, in 1910 the number of branches was 
reduced from six to three, with pages of careful explanation. 
Branch Houses have been 


[ 203 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


established at the urgent solicitation of Baptists in the various sections. 
From the beginning they have been maintained at large expense. In later 


years the margin of profit has been reduced by severe competition. In- 


several instances the home office has been compelled to pay from one to 
three thousand dollars in addition to earnings. A readjustment has for 
several years seemed imperative. 


In a word, the Society has ever endeavored to respond to 
the real need of the denomination expressed by a few clamor- 
ously, and the denomination as a whole in the region to be 
benefited has seldom risen to utilize the undertaking sufficiently 
to make its continuance feasible. 

In 1924 we have again six Branch Houses, any one of them 
doing incomparably more business than did all ten in 1824. 
They are now in Chicago, Kansas City, Boston, Seattle, Los 
Angeles and Toronto, besides the Philadelphia store. 

But all through the century they have been centers of radiat- 
ing light. If there were space even to enumerate the men 
who have served in them it would be a list of some of the 
most useful servants of the kingdom of God. Any pastor 
or Sunday-school worker, for example, who has served in the 
region of Springer of Boston or Major of Chicago would 
testify to the truth of that. To many of us a saloon has never 
had the slightest enticement but a book-store is almost the 
gates of paradise. ‘Thank the Publication Society for keeping 
the gates ajar here and there from Boston to Los Angeles. 


105. Agents and Districts 


At the outset it was clearly perceived that the light-shedding 
mechanism must have personality as the generating factor. 
There was to be a general “ Agent” and also a number of 
district “ Agents.” The first annual report listed thirty-eight 
Agents connected with its thirty-eight auxiliaries and “ 25 
gentlemen engaged as agents who are not connected with 
Auxiliary Societies.” These fifty-three agents were in addi- 
tion to the ten depositaries, and ten of the Agents were lay- 


[ 204 ] 


i - 


FIELD CONTACTS 





men. Apparently all the seventy-three obtained their living 
by other means. Of the Depositaries, one was a chemist and 
apothecary, one a merchant, and one a bookseller. We are 
not told whether the “ministering brethren” received any 
commission or not. If so it was scanty in accordance with the 
rest of their income in those days. The revised constitution 
of 1828 provided that “ Agents of Depositories shall have a 
reasonable compensation for their services, to be decided by 
the Board.” It was not, however, till 1830 that such repre- 
sentatives were regularly employed by the Society. 

For the purpose of forming new Auxiliaries, establishing Depositories, 
collecting funds, and of promoting in every laudable way the interest of 


the Society, the Board commenced the employment of traveling agents in 
1830, previous to the death of the late General Agent. 


By 1833 there were six of these men. But for years most 
of them gave only a fraction of the year to this work. One 
naturally imagines that it was time between pastorates. In 
1836 it is stated that six men named were employed as Travel- 
ing Agents “for a time in different districts—equal to the 
steady service of one man for over two years.” Twenty 
years later it was eight men aggregating four years and nine 
months of service. Again and again, however, in those years 
the work of the agents is carefully pointed out as being indis- 
pensable. For example, when it had been sought to get along 
without them, we find this record: 

The experiment, which we have tried for three years past, of collecting 
funds for the purpose of the Society, without the employment of traveling 
agents, has proved utterly futile and delusive. In the present state of the 


churches, we must have agents to present to them the claims of the Society, 
or nothing comparatively will be done. 


During the administration of Peck, he put it with character- 
istic vigor: 
The Board, as heretofore, will continue to use due caution and economy 


in the employment of collecting agents. Yet such are the habits of our 
churches, so large a proportion are destitute of pastors, so many and 


[ 205 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


pressing are the duties of pastors, and so frequent are the calls for Chris- 
tian liberality, that agents are an indispensable part of our moral ma- 
chinery. As a religious work, it calls for much self-denial, constant ab- 
sence from home, exposure sometimes to unkind surmises, and admits 
of a less compensation than that of the regular pastor. But it is a work 
to which the Apostles and the fellow laborers submitted, as is plainly 
evident from the Eighth Chapter of the Second Epistle of Paul to the 
Church of Corinth. 


Years later Doctor Shadrach gave two whole pages (fine 
print) to a glowing exposition of this necessity. As early as 
1853 the expression “ District Secretaries’ was used, but 
they were commonly called “ Agents’ long after the fields of 
the more permanent ones were well defined. 

When the Sociéty came to have many men employed all the 
time throughout the country in various lines of ministry, ail 
properly interested in the resources of the Society and in 
nearly every State one man with State-wide duties, it was 
found possible to reduce greatly the number of exclusively 
collecting agents. In 1880 there were but three retained, and 
the Board required that 

All colporters and Sunday-school missionaries shall, so far as they can, 


do the collecting work in their respective fields—and especially when that 
can be done without interfering with their regular work. 


It was not found possible, however, to dispense entirely 
with the service of specialists on the promotional side of the 
work. By 1907 a further evolution took place making these 
men general superintendents. ‘The record runs: | 


The Society has only five districts for the entire country. In these are 
able men who represent its work in the churches and make appeals for the 
same. They are Rev. S. G. Neil, D. D., Middle Eastern District; C. H. 
Spalding, D. D., New England; T. L. Ketman, D. D., Middle Western; 
Rev. Joe P. Jacobs, Western; and S. N. Vass, D. D., Southern. In order 
to unify the work on the field we have felt the necessity of enlarging 
the sphere of the district secretaries. In addition to the ordinary duties 
they have performed, they are now superintendents of their fields. They 
will have a general oversight of the work done by the missionaries in their 
districts. Hereafter all funds which are collected upon their fields. will 
be sent to them direct. 


[ 206 ] 


FIELD CONTACTS 


The final development of the century was the merging of 
the promotional work of the Society with that of the other 
general societies in the Board of Promotion. | 


106. Early Intersociety Relations 


The prophets of God who created the denomination as an 
organic whole provided in the organism for attention to home 
missions, foreign missions, education, and publication. But, 
like all genuine prophets, they were far ahead of the average 
contemporary vision. ‘They.were ahead of their own steady, 
workaday attainment. By the time the General Tract Society 
was organized the denomination had fallen back to the level 
of the time. It took the major part of our one hundred years 
to recover the vision splendid in actual realization. [arly 
allusions in the records of the General Tract Society show 
what we know from the story of our Creative Pioneers, that 
the same men were commonly the chief supporters of all pro- 
eressive undertakings. 

In 1838 appears the first distinct, practical step toward the 
coordination which was brought to pass in the organization of 
the Northern Baptist Convention in 1908, and brought to 
fuller fruition in the creation of its General Board of Promo- 
tion in 1919. The step was the amendment of the constitu- 
tion for the purpose of creating the united denominational 
“May Meetings.”’ In more than one sense it was a long 
step which cost effort, as the first paragraph in the annual 
report shows: 


The period since the presentation of our last report is considerably longer 
than usual, the time of holding the annual meeting of the Society having 
been altered so as to bring it in a more favorable season of the year and 
to connect it also with the anniversaries of other institutions engaged in 
promoting the same grand object. 


The effort can be better appreciated if one reads the next 
paragraph which says: 


[ 207 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Our labors have been seriously affected by the general commercial dis- 
tress of the country. Its paralyzing effects have been felt in every depart- 
ment of our operations. 


Under such circumstances a year lengthened by twenty-five 
per cent. was a serious matter. 

In 1845 votes of cooperation with the Society were passed 
in thirteen States, and in thirty Associations in different States. 


107. A Bright Foregleam 


A great stir in the direction of coordination took place in 
1858 and ’59. It was occasioned by the Bible Society situa- 
tion, but as we see took a much wider scope. Our Board at 
the anniversary in 1858 made the following recommendation : 


Much has been said of late years on the consolidation of Societies. Your 
Board, having no personal object to attain, and no desire but to serve the 
churches in the best possible manner, in the great work of extending 
Christ’s kingdom, would respectfully recommend the Society to appoint 
a committee, who, in connection with committees from other Societies, 
should any be appointed, shall earnestly and thoroughly canvass the desir- 
ableness, practicability, extent, and mode of consolidation. This Committee 
to report at the next annual meeting. 


A committee of twenty was appointed, five from each 
Society. The record the next year is as follows: 


The committee on the simplification or union of the different benevolent 
Societies appointed by this Society made the following report, through 
their acting chairman, John P. Crozer, Esq.: At the Anniversaries of the 
four benevolent Societies of the Baptist denomination, held in the City 
of Philadelphia, in the year 1858, committees of five persons from each 
Society were appointed to take into consideration the question of making 
any improvement in said Societies, either by simplification or consolidation. 
The committees met in their convention in Philadelphia immediately after 
their appointment, and organized by electing Isaac Newton, of the City of 
New York, Chairman, and E. L. L. Taylor, D. D., of the City of Brooklyn, 
Secretary. The committee then adjourned to meet at the call of the 
Chairman. The Chairman’s health failed, and he died in November last. 
The Secretary called a meeting of the committee at the Bible Rooms in 
New York, on the ninth of the present month. The committee elected 
Isaac Davis, of Massachusetts, Chairman, in place of Isaac Newton, de- 
ceased, and after holding four sessions it was thought impracticable to 


[ 208 ] 





THE JUDSON PRESS BUILDING 





FIELD CONTACTS 


mature any plan or plans in so short a time before the Anniversaries, which 
would stand the test of experiment, and be an actual improvement of the 
Societies as now constituted. The committee therefore adjourned without 
day, agreeing to report the facts to the respective Societies which elected 
them to office. By order of the Committee for Chairman, 


JoHN P. Crozer. 


On motion, Resolved, That the report be accepted and the Committee be 
discharged. 


It is interesting to see, however, that there was a strong 
sentiment in the denomination calling for closer cooperation, 
half a century before it was finally brought about in the 
Northern Baptist Convention. The day after this committee 
of twenty reached in New York its conclusion of inaction, a 
Convention was held in New York City which had a compre- 
hensive purpose as well as a constructive tone suggesting in 
several particulars a course of conviction like that in the early 
years of the twentieth century! ‘The record in the annual of 
the Publication Society is as follows: 


Rev. Dr. Taylor of New York, Chairman of the Committee appointed 
by the Convention of the tenth of May, presented the following report 
to the Society: “ At a convention of Baptist brethren, called for the purpose 
of inquiring into the expediency of consolidating or reconstructing the 
benevolent Societies connected with the Baptist denomination, convened 
(pursuant to the call of the Committee appointed for that purpose by the 
New York Baptist State Convention), in the house of worship of the 
Oliver Street Baptist Church, in the City of New York, on Tuesday and 
Wednesday, May 10 and 11, 1859, the following resolutions were adopted: 


“1. Resolved, That the members of this Convention cordially assure 
the Societies that it claims no power to legislate for them, but as breth- 
ren commissioned to meet together as delegates from the churches, they 
do earnestly hope that such measures may be suggested as shall lead our 
people to enter with united and enduring zeal upon the great work of 
giving the knowledge of Jesus Christ to all nations. 

“2. Resolved, That the general organizations of supervision, advice, and 
cooperation in the work of evangelization are at present necessary to do 
what cannot be done by individual effort, or by churches or associations 
of churches. 

“3. Resolved, That the number of our general organizations should be 
no larger than is necessary to the most efficient presentation of the work 
of evangelization; and it has become a serious duty to inquire whether the 


| 209 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








number of Societies should not be so far reduced that not more than one 
general organization shall be engaged in the doing what is substantially 
the same work in the same field. 

“4 Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention the union of the 
American and Foreign Bible Society with The American Baptist Publica- 
tion Society, under the direction of one Board of Managers, to be located 
in Philadelphia, would be productive of efficiency and economy in the issue 
and distribution of the Scriptures and other evangelical publications; and 
that we recommend to these Societies to consider the question of such 
union, and if, upon mature consideration, it be found practicable, that we 
do most earnestly advise the same. 

“5. Resolved, That the work of foreign evangelization should be, as far 
as is practicable, committed to the care of one organization. 

“6. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, the constitution 
of each evangelizing organization should be modified so as to bring the 
work and the contributors into the closest practicable connection, and so 
as to stimulate and develop the largest amount of local effort, and of 
church missionary life. 

“7. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention, an elective member- 
ship or annual delegation should be substituted for Life Membership in 
all our general organizations, so far as it can be done consistently with 
existing obligations to Life Members. 

“8. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Convention special care should 
be taken to encourage the churches to adopt systematic and thorough 
measures of collection, so as gradually and at length wholly to supersede 
the employment of collecting agents. 

“Q. Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to communicate these reso- 
lutions to the American and Foreign Bible Society, The American Baptist 
Home Mission Society, The American Baptist Publication Society, the 
American Baptist Missionary Union, and the American Baptist Free Mis- 
sion Society, at their annual meeting to be held during the present and 
subsequent week.” 

On motion of Rev. Dr. Murdock, of Massachusetts, it was resolved that 
the report presented be respectfully received and referred to the Board 
of Managers. 


Thereafter the movement centered for a quarter of a cen- 
tury about the Bible Societies and is outlined in the chapter 
on “ The Book of Books.”’ 


108. Northern Baptist Convention 


The annual report of the Publication Society in 1884 calls 
attention to the fact that “ in several local fields of our country 


[210] 


FIELD CONTACTS 


there has been, for years, a cooperative union between our 
Board and some local Boards in the appointment and support 
of missionaries.” Some of these enumerated were State 
Boards, some city organizations, and some local churches. In 
later years cooperation with State and city organizations be- 
came a general and well-defined policy. 

As the twentieth century was about to dawn a wide-spread 
desire for closer coordination of all our denominational under- 
takings became evident and insistent. Two phases of this are 
outstanding features of our history for the last quarter of a 
century, the general coordination and the special relations with 
the Home Mission Society. The first great document spread 
on our records in the general endeavor, is in 1901, the report 
of the Joint Commission on Coordination of which Mr. 
Stephen Greene, the projector of the whole movement, was 
Chairman, and L. A. Crandall, D. D., secretary, the represen- 
tatives of our Society being Henry G. Weston, D. D., Mr. 
Howard Gendell, and W. W. Keen, M. D. The annual steps 
then were “ Committee of Fifteen,’ ‘‘ Committee of Refer- 
ence,” its appointment, incessant need, growing conviction, and 
in 1907 the Northern Baptist Convention. The story deserves 
a volume and would require that for clear exposition. It 
must suffice in the present paragraph to say that in this aspect 
of denominational development the Publication Society has 
played its full part. The process of readjustment has been 
prolonged, complicated, and at times strenuous, but now the 
denominational machinery, to a marked extent, is geared to- 
gether, and the Publication Society is in some respects a 
balance-wheel of the whole mechanism. 


109. With Our Younger Brother 


The American Baptist Home Mission Society was not born 
till the Publication Society was eight years old. They might 
have been twins. At the end of our century, however, they 
were much closer together than that. They are two halves of 


[211] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








one sacrificial body for the redemption of America and through 
it of the whole world. The growing together was not without 
a good many growing pains. Official relations were always 
courteous and genuinely fraternal. But irritations arose on 
the widely extended field where both Societies operated, and 
the denomination at large came to feel that these two of its 
agencies ought to have their respective functions more clearly 
defined and ought to replace every appearance, even, of com- 
petition with thoroughgoing, obvious cooperation. That was 
achieved in the second decade of the twentieth century. 

The first annual report of the Home Mission Society paid 
tribute to the worth of its elder brother: 

The following statements are principally drawn from the United States 
Baptist Register, recently published by Ira M. Allen, agent of the Baptist 
General Tract Society, a work of much labor, and which, from its large 


amount of information, and general correctness, has laid the public under 
great obligation to its author. 


That same first year of the Home Mission Society's work 
(1833) the Publication Society’s annual report called the 
younger brother “‘our Society ”’ and urged cordial cooperation, 
saying : 


Another most important field in which our labors have been employed 
is the western regions of our own country. There are a number of travel- 
ing preachers in the country—some as regular missionaries, sustained by 
our Home Mission Society. They ought to have tracts to give out to 
every family they visit, and to individuals in their public meetings. It 
is also of material importance that there should be tracts for circulation 
at their protracted meetings and associations, where multitudes of all 
classes assemble together. 


At the annual meeting of the Publication Society in 1846, 


Rev. B. M. Hill, Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist 
Home Mission Society, said, that though he was worn down with labor, 
he could not refrain from saying a few words in favor of this Society. 
His connection with home missions had caused him to feel its value 
and importance. The missionaries were continually invoking his good 
offices, in the way of procuring grants. He was certain that he had letters 


on file, which, if read, would affect brethren even to tears. He con- 


[ 212 ] 


Oe 





CORNER OF THE COMPOSING-ROOM 
The Judson Press Building 


‘Pig a By j 
ies it | 
ULE AL Lae 


' J j , o 
: ; 
t 
: j 
, My 
PA | 
ey 
y 4s 
ts 
eed) 
i 
“4 
ivi 
‘ if 
‘ ul 
‘ 
sf ja , 
9) { j L ’ 
il 
f ’ rr 
j 
: 
ay | \ 


> 
! 
i 
t 
: “ 
', ad 1 
? 
{ 
i> 
i 
i 
1+, «; ‘. 
=F 
Ae 
‘ 
if 
P ' 
. “, = 
| 
1 ry 
| de 
| 
| ’ : 
a | » 
cy ‘ ' 
y & 
\ ‘ 
, 
i] } j : 
| ah 
» 
’ 
if ‘ 
7 ’ 
; ‘ 
. x ; 
f 
Pe ' 
: ~) 
0 7 e* ¥ 
: i 
ne L 
7 , 
; j ‘ \ 
4 » , 
J 
' 
\ 
® 
a 





FIELD CONTACTS 








cluded by saying, that he regarded the Society as “the right arm of home 
missions.” 


The question of relationship to the Home Mission Society 
became sufficiently alive to receive clear definition in the report 
of the Board in 1874: 


It may not be amiss here to reiterate the fact, that The Bible and Publi- 
cation Society is strictly and eminently a missionary Society. Nor is its 
mission work the same as that of the other great missionary organizations. 
The Home Mission Society directs its efforts mainly toward the support 
of local pastors laboring with feeble churches. It does not employ col- 
porters, or strictly Sunday-school missionaries. It is preeminently a 
Church Missionary Society, doing a vast, and a blessed work. This 
Society, on the contrary, is emphatically a Family and Sunday-school Mis- 
sionary Society. Its work consists in three things: 

1. In preaching the gospel from house to house by a band of devoted 
Missionary Colporters; who unite with personal efforts to convert the 
inmates, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, and the dissemination of 
a gospel literature. 

2. In sustaining Sunday-school Missionaries to form new schools, to 
strengthen and improve old ones, and to organize the forces of the dif- 
ferent States for efficient Sunday-school work. 

3. In making grants of small libraries to poor ministers and Sunday 
schools, and of tracts to pastors, and to missionaries of other Societies 
and Conventions. 


That is as clear as crystal and is the understanding of the 
Publication Society as to its main function for at least the next 
third of the hundred years. 

The need of closer coordination was growingly evident, 
however, and came to clear definition as recorded in the 
Jubilee year: 


Some misunderstanding also having arisen regarding the work of our 
Society in relation to that of The American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
we deemed it wise to call a conference of representative committees of 
the two Societies. This conference was held in our building, Thursday. 
February 2, 1899, and after prayerful and fraternal discussion, a basis of 
agreement presented by the representatives of The American Baptist 
Home Mission Society was unanimously approved by both committees, 
and subsequently by the Board of the Publication Society, February 16, 
and by the Board of The American Baptist Home Mission Society, Feb- 
ruary 20, 1899. The following is the agreement in full: Whereas, A joint 


[ 213 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








committee from The American Baptist Home Mission Society, consisting 
of Stephen Greene, Alvah S. Hobart, W. C. P. Rhoades, C. B. Canfield, 
E. J. Brockett, T. J. Morgan; W. H. P. Faunce, and H. L. Morehouse, and 
The American Baptist Publication Society, consisting of Samuel A. Crozer, 
A. J. Rowland, R. G. Seymour, J. Howard Gendell, Wayland Hoyt, 
George E. Rees, and B. F. Dennisson, met this day, February 2, 1899, in 
Philadelphia, for the purpose of so defining the work of each that in the 
future there shall be as little overlapping of work as possible, either in 
fact or in the estimation of the public, and in order that each may co- 
operate cordially with the other in carrying on the work for Christ: It is 
mutually agreed that the duties of these Societies shall be as follows: 
(1) That The American Baptist Home Mission Society shall continue its 
distinctive work of preaching the gospel, organizing churches and Sunday 
schools in connection therewith, settling pastors, building meeting-houses, 
employing missionaries, and conducting educational work among the freed- 
men, Indians, Mexicans, etc., as heretofore. (2) That The American 
Baptist Publication Society shall continue its distinctive work as the Pub- 
lishing and Bible Society of our denomination, and also its distinctive 
work of organizing and establishing Sunday schools and employing col- 
porters. (3) That The American Baptist Publication Society in con- 
tinuing its chapel-car service, shall so far work in cooperation with the 
Home Mission Society as to consult with the general secretary or district 
missionaries of that Society in regard to fields to be visited and to refer, 
as far as practicable, to these missionaries the baptism of converts, the 
organization of churches, the settling of pastors, and the building of meet- 
ing-houses. (4) That in appeals for contributions, each Society shall 
emphasize its own specific and distinctive work. 


The following year (1900) the happy report is: 


The agreement entered into between the Society and the Home Mission 
Society at the close of the last fiscal. year has been most sacredly kept, 
and on the field the missionaries of the Society have been working in a 
successful cooperation with the missionaries of the Home Mission Society, 
to the mutual advantage of both Societies and the further advancement 
of Christ’s kingdom. Many evangelistic meetings have been held, many 
communities have been reached, many meeting-houses have been built, and 
many pastors settled, which could not have been done without this mutual 
cooperation. 


The actual working of this understanding slowly ripened 
a conviction that a relationship more intimate was needed. 
The culmination of the process is so significant in our Century 
of Growing Light that it must have detailed record. 


[ 214 ] 


FIELD CONTACTS 








The most concise account of this special matter is given here 
by abbreviating the official statement furnished the denomina- 
tional papers early in December, 1918. The thirteen vital 
historic actions are from an outline by Judge Edward S. 
Clinch of the Law Committee of the Northern Baptist Con- 
vention. - 


1. At the meeting of the Northern Baptist Convention in 1910 the 
committee on the reports of cooperating organizations recommended that 
a commission of nine members be appointed by the president of the Con- 
vention to take under advisement: The question of uniting the missionary 
work of The American Baptist Publication Society and that of The 
American Baptist Home Mission Society. 

2. The committee did not report to the Convention of 1912, and was 
continued and requested to report in 1913. 

3. At the meeting of the Convention in 1911, on the recommendation of 
the Board of Managers of the Foreign Mission Society, a resolution was 
adopted which provided for the appointment of a commission of seven 
to take into consideration all questions relating to the administration, 
methods, and expense in the work of that Society. 

4. The last named committee presented a report to the Convention of 
1912 (Annual 1912, p. 146), which concluded with a recommendation that 
a committee be appointed to consider carefully the entire question of the 
organization of the Foreign Mission Society, its management and its co- 
operation with affiliated Societies. The committee was appointed but is 
designated as a committee on Efficiency of Administration of Cooperating 
Organizations. 

5. The committce mentioned in 1 and 2 did not report in 1913 and was 
not continued. . 

6. The committee mentioned in 4 reported to the Convention at its 
meeting in 1913 and recommended that another committee of seven be 
appointed, and the recommendation was adopted. (P. 125.) There were 
nine members. 

7. The committee reported at the Convention of 1914 (Annual 1914, 
pp. 76-78), and the committee was continued. (P. 125.) The number was 
reduced to seven. 

8. Six of the committee reported at the Convention of 1915. (Annual 
1915, pp. 78-85.) The committee was continued, and its report was laid 
over until the Convention of 1916. 

9. A supplemental report was submitted to the Convention of 1916 
(Annual 1916, p. 76) and also a minority report. (P. 80.) The reports 
were not considered, and the committee was not continued. A committee 
of eleven was appointed to formulate the proper steps to put into actual 
operation the union under one administration of the missionary work of 


[215 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





The American Baptist Home Mission and The American Baptist Publica- 
tion Societies. . 

10. The committee of eleven reported at the Convention of 1917. (Annual 
1917, pp. 101-107.) Its report was laid on the table. (P. 113.) The law 
committee was instructed to report on the question of the proposed con- 
solidation of other evangelical corporate bodies and to report to the Con- 
vention at its meeting in 1918 on the subject of consolidation. 

11. The Law Committee at the Convention of 1918 presented its report 
(Annual 1918, pp. 192-195) that in its opinion the consolidation of The 
American Baptist Home Mission Society and The American Baptist Pub- 
lication Society cannot be effected and advised that the proposed consolli- 
dation be dismissed from further consideration. The report was adopted. 

12. At the Convention of 1917 a Convention standing committee of five 
was created, to be known as the Committee of Reference (Annual 1917, 
p. 116), in connection with whose advice the Home Mission and Pub- 
lication Societies are to carry on their missionary activities. The com- 
mittee is to be a place of appeal for the two Societies in harmonizing their 
policies. 

13. The Committee of Reference presented its report to the Convention 
of 1918. (Annual 1918, p. 135.) No action on the report was taken. The 
word “accordance” was substituted for the word “connection” in the 
resolution creating the committee. 


The conclusions of the Boards of the Publication Society 
and the Home Mission Society are in a statement made “ for 
the Board of Managers”’ by F. H. Robinson, Acting General 
Secretary of The American Baptist Publication Society, and 
C. L. White, Executive Secretary of The American Baptist 
Home Mission Society. 


The committee of conference of The American Baptist Publication 
Society and The American Baptist Home Mission Society met in Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, September 20, October 23 and 24, 1918. The com- 
mittees were composed as follows: For the Publication Society, Drs. W. Q. 
Rosselle, W. H. Main, G. D. Adams, Messrs. S. G. Young, F. H. Robinson, 
J. L. Peacock, and G. L. Estabrook; for the Home Mission Society, D: G. 
Garabrant, Drs. J. R. Brown, F. M. Goodchild, A. T. Fowler, F. T. Galpin, 
R. D. Lord, and Secretaries C. L. White, L. C. Barnes, and G. N. Brink. 
Doctor Goodchild was chosen chairman and Mr. Peacock secretary. On 
October 24 at the Union League Club the Board of Managers and the 
secretaries of the Publication Society entertained the Board of Managers 
and the secretaries of Home Mission Society. It was the first time in the 
history of the two great organizations that their boards and officers had 
ever met together. It was a great occasion, and the fellowship and happi- 


[ 216 ] 


OOOO a 


: 





SHIPPING DEPARTMENT 
The Judson Press Building 





FIELD CONTACTS 


ness of the evening left nothing to be desired. The flags of the Allies 
adorned the center of the great table, which was completely encircled by 
the hosts and their guests. After the dinner the conference committee had 
its final session, and the boards of both Societies unanimously and con- 
currently adopted the report of the conference committee and the recom- 
mendations of the Publication Society concerning religious education. 
Doctor Rosselle was made chairman of the joint board meeting and Mr. 
Peacock the recording secretary. After dinner addresses were made by 
Doctor Rosselle; Doctor Brink, who was introduced as the general secre- 
tary of the Society; W. G. Brimson, president of the board of the Publi- 
cation Society; D. G. Garabrant, chairman of the Home Mission Society 
board; Executive Secretary C. L. White; Dr. F. M. Goodchild, chairman 
of the conference committee: Dr. G. D. Adams, Dr. W. H. Main, Hon. 
Hel, busting DreeA: 1S, Hobart, Dr. Ji M:. Moore, Dr. J..-E. ‘Sagebeer, 
Richard Edie, and F. H. Robinson. The closing prayer was by Secretary 
L. C. Barnes. The following is the report of the conference committee, 
unanimously adopted by the boards of both Societies: 

Preamble to Suggestions: Believing that the time has come for the co- 
ordination and articulation of all the educational, missionary, and social 
service activities of The American Baptist Publication Society and The 
American Baptist Home Mission Society, and that the Managers of the 
Societies should labor in the closest cooperation and so effect unity in 
the prosecution of their manifold work, we recommend that ‘the boards 
of managers and the executive secretaries have at least two joint ses- 
sions annually for the better carrying out of the suggestions which have 
been unanimously adopted by the special committees of the two boards: 

1. That the chief task of the Publication Society is religious education 
in the home, the Bible school, the church, and all related societies; it being 
understood that the plans for such education be made and carried out in 
cooperation with all national and State societies and agencies involved. 

2. That, in conjunction with the Home Mission Society, the Publication 
Society make the State Conventions and Standard City Mission Societies 
their legal agents on the basis of the chapter on “ Conditions of Agency in 
the Standards of the Home Mission Society.” 

3. That the Home Mission Society and the Publication Society unite in 
the support of the State Secretaries of certain as yet financially weak 
Conventions on the basis of their respective appropriations in these Con- 
ventions. 

4. That the Home Mission Society and the Publication Society have 
joint superintendents whenever such superintendency is necessary for field 
oversight. 

5. That the Publication Society make the Home Mission Society its 
agent in the oversight and direction of the missionary activities of all its 
colporters; that the payment of the salaries of such colporters from ‘the 
income of trust funds shall be made by the Publication Society to the 


[ 217 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Home Mission Society as required, each requisition to contain a full state- 
ment covering the name, service, and the amount due each colporter covered 
by the requisition; that the colporter shall continue to perform the follow- 
ing tasks for the Publication Society: the selling of the Society’s books 
and literature, the promoting the circulation of its periodicals, and the 
distribution of Bibles and other literature; that in view of the double func- 
tion of these workers they shall be known as colporter-missionaries; that 
nothing in the points. agreed upon shall be interpreted as in any way 
restricting the full and free development of the business department of 
the Publication Society. That it is specified by the Publication Society in 
committing direct supervision and oversight of its missionary and col- 
portage work to the Home Mission Society, it does so with the strict 
understanding that the Publication Society is the denominational agency 
for the work of religious education, such as Sunday-school and young 
people’s work, social service education and Baptist Brotherhood as 
defined in Suggestion 1. 

6. That the Publication Society transfer its specific social service work, 
such as rural and urban social work which naturally grows out of the 
missionary task, with the consent of the Northern Baptist Convention, to 
the Home Mission Society, the particular delimitations to be determined 
from time to time by a conference committee; social service education 
to continue a proper function of the Publication Society. 

The board of the Home Mission Society concurred in the following 
recommendations, contained in a “ Report on Religious Education and the 
Publication Society,” addressed to the special committee of laymen author- 
ized at the Atlantic City Convention, the Executive Committee of the 
Northern Baptist Convention, and all who are interested in improving the 
religious training we now give the children, boys and girls, young people 
and adults, under the care of Baptist churches: 

1. The Society recommends the creation of a coordinating agency for 
the development and maintenance of one general program of religious 
education within the denomination. 

2. It recommends that the personnel of such agency be carefully selected 
from among the men and women who are acquainted with the principles 
of religious education, who have specialized in some department of re- 
ligious education, and who have first-hand and extended acquaintance with 
various types of Baptist churches. 

3. It recommends in the interests of the largest efficiency that the closest 
possible relationship be preserved between educational direction, publica- 
tion, and field service. 

4. It recommends that stress be laid in all the churches on the funda- 
mental importance of religious education, especially in view of the ‘situa- 
tion to follow the World War when Baptists must be prepared to give 
effectively their contributions to the new democracy. 

5. The Society suggests that the proposed agency for the coordination 


[ 218 ] 


FIELD CONTACTS 


and promotion of religious education be known as the “ Committee of 
Direction for Religious Education.” 

The matter of the chapel car and gospel cruiser was carefully considered. 
It was the unanimous opinion of the conference that further study of this 
subject should be made after the war has ended and transportation has 
again become normal. 


The settlement of two items was postponed, chapel cars and 
cruisers. As we saw in the chapter on Conveyances the 
cruisers have since been transmuted into other forms of Bible 
work. A chapel-car adjustment was arranged to become 
effective May I, 1920, as follows: 


I. Financial: 1. The salaries and personal traveling expenses of the 
missionaries on chapel cars to be paid by the Home Mission Society. 

2. All expenses on account of repairs, up-keep, and transportation of 
chapel cars to be paid by the Publication Society. 

3. Property rights in the chapel cars to remain unimpaired in the Publi- 
cation Society. 

4. The cars to carry the names of both Societies, to indicate that they 
are cooperating in this service. 

Il. Personnel: 1. Appointments. Insomuch as the missionary in charge 
is not only responsible to the Home Mission Society for the way in which 
he carries on his work as missionary, but also to the Publication Society 
for the care and oversight of the chapel car entrusted to him, his appoint- 
ment to be a joint appointment and to be made only when both Societies 
are agreed to it. 

2. Reports to be rendered by the missionary in charge to the two So- 
cieties jointly as may be required. 

III. Administration. 1. By the Societies: The chapel car and missionary 
in charge to be subject always to transfer to another State or to be with- 
drawn from service at any time by joint action of the Home Mission and 
Publication Societies. 

(1) In all questions as to the missionary aspects of the services to be 
rendered, the Home Mission Society to have primary jurisdiction, pro- 
vided only that such service be kept within the limits prescribed by the 
railroads and the conditions upon which they will grant special transporta- 
tion rates for the cars. 

(2) In all questions involving the transportation of chapel cars the 
Publication Society te have primary jurisdiction and to conduct all deal- 
ings with the railroads, including those concerning such questions as the 
nature of the service to be rendered, the kind of places to be served, the 
length of stop, at a given place, and any other question that may affect in 
any way the railroads’ attitude with respect to the moving of chapel cars 


[219 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


for us. Should the Home Mission Society, or any State Convention, desire 
to take up with the railroads any matter relating to a chapel car, it will 
do so, through the Publication Society. 

2. By the State Convention: (1) The chapel car and the worker in charge 
to. be put at the service of the State Convention while within the Con- 
vention’s territory and to be under the immediate direction of the executive 
officer of the Convention. 

(2) Requests for the service of a chapel car to be made by executive 
officer of the Convention to the’ Joint Division Secretary in whose territory 
the Convention is, the latter to forward the request both to the Home Mis- 
sion and Publication Societies with his recommendation. 


The Committee of Fifteen in 1903 had reported on this 
matter with judicial care but without finding an adequate solu- 
tion. The time was not ripe. In 1918 it was again post- 
poned. ‘The aboye arrangement is one more evidence of the 
fact that no difficulties are finally insuperable where the divine 
spirit of cooperation is steadily growing. The chief execu- 
tives of the Societies, Gilbert N. Brink and Charles L. White, 


have wrought together in noontide light. 


110. With Other Denominations 


In the very first annual report of the Society (1825) they 
say: 


The Directors wish to keep distinctly in view that this is a Baptist 
Tract Society, established with special reference to the condition of the 
Baptist denomination. They entertain a fraternal regard for other Tract 
Societies and a respectful sense of their services. They consider this 
Society not in any respect as a rival but as a zealous coadjutor occupying a 
station which no other Society can so properly and so successfully fill. 


The next year the account as given by Dr. J. N. Brown 
shows that they carried out this purpose: 


The American Tract Society, in 1826, made a proposition to this Society 
that it should become an Auxiliary to that body. The Board of Directors 
considered the proposition; but decided that they “had no power under 
the present Constitution to become Auxiliary.” At the formation of the 
Philadelphia City Tract Society, however, about the same time, Rey. 
Messrs. Dagg, Brantly, and Ashton, were chosen among the Managers of 
the new Society, and cheerfully accepted the service, while holding the 
highest positions of responsibility in their own. 


[ 220 ] 


SsuIp[Ing sso1g uospne syT7, 
LNYNLYV dad ONTHOLLLS 








¢ He f Per 
Hy} hy } Wace 
’ i] i} ty (aes 
bat  ti* HIDE un 
, } ] neh, 
: Ny y { 1 - ’ 
. Ty f SF 
‘ n it flee ay 
; ij He F] ¥ j eh 
: y eA ps ye ' 
- ' \ qs j P a4 
<ihL * ms ah , 
~ Wey . 
i Ms 4! ye - La 






a J : y nVAS ] ¥ ¢ ; J a, : i j ~vl, Ly . 2 SS 
c4 ae CE Ee eee a ae R Pr 
on | nif sk Bee aS 





} f oe > + 9° —< es) MS 
atta De 4 Hw & a ie | 
{ , i a 7 “r 4 
Lrg 3 , oS fate,” nit = GAce! a) ve wy 
‘ » 4s } 7 ; ; 
Wat tb | ie af 5 
‘iy “iby ey * . 
. a it; rit es i- - 
‘ AAS ad j a s, * 
j : ; ° 
\ ; ’ 7 . =) 
j , ‘ 
' ; ae » cs 
{ i i 7 
a F 
ghee if bs ~4 
as day Pai ’ i oS P 
SE: + 
t » ae 
) : y= 
Cee | 
. ’ ‘ 
Pas | 
i ; : Fi 
’ 
' _ ‘ 
i 
‘ v.43 
. 
3 8 
: ¥ 
T ¢ 
' “ . 
ee , 
. . } 
a as : 
. ' 
. 3 
5 Ps } - 
: F me UD 
} 
i } 
t 
‘ ‘ 
‘ Hi! | 
- ! ne - . } x 
Ain ‘ J 
7 alae 
— =~ » 
| 
' ped, + 
. 1! 
. 4 ’ d u . 
- : ia wn ‘ 
ae 4 
an a i ‘ 
AS res , 
ADS "Tar 
‘ 
‘i 
* Mi 
: Ras ‘ 
5 * Ay 
Hi 
| ; : 
1 my 5 * 
{ / ‘ “fy 
fl tye 
” ¢ 
| | i : ‘ Ais » 
‘ ‘oy 
. a 
: ’ 4 
Cy ’ : 
} YY ~s sh 
q _ ri } 
’ ‘ } ¥ iy’ 
) Py hy Rye 
‘ 4 
: vv! 2 é ’ 
‘ ASS ye} 
; ; " i by & yt ‘ 
: - " r ‘, hey » 
” ] et i 1 ™ * rf By 
- iJ ' 
, » 
: : 
‘ : ¢ a YY 7 : A : as 
if * _ ’ 7 
s ~ p lh 
é eer " ra at 4 7 


ry? ¢ : 
. yan ce TOA ir earl : 
“7 ad ay Plo oe Ms ww oe 
| Ue ; ‘4 ir Dorey 
Mas ; 1% ; 


- ob 





FIELD CONTACTS 








The spirit at the outset was so characteristic of the whole 
century that another clear expression of it in 1828 should be 
noted : 


We are not ashamed to say for ourselves and our brethren, that whilst 
we feel unaffected respect and good-will toward those institutions which 
are designed to embody and harmonize the powers of several denomina- 
tions, we are bound by the feeling of honorable consistency to cherish 
a warmer approbation of those plans, which stand responsible for the 
protection of our peculiarities as a denomination. In this view we are 
certainly willing to concede to others what we claim for ourselves. We 
shall never think the less of any class of Christians, for watching with 
becoming circumspection the grounds upon which they stand as a separate 
section of the great whole. Let such a course be pursued with the meek- 
ness of wisdom, and with the charity which the gospel enjoins, and we 
shall see all denominations of Christians, not only loving one another with 
the affection of a common brotherhood, but a greater amount of good will 
be brought into the common treasury of the Lord. 


In token of the sincerity of these professions, as it were, the 
Tract Magazine in one of the issues of that year gave one- 
fourth of its space to an abstract of the annual report of the 
American Tract Society. 

Two years later at the annual meeting one of the Directors, 
Dr. R. W. Cushman, made an extended address on the sub- 
ject. Again in 1836 this live question was carefully treated: 


On motion of President Babcock, of Waterville College, Maine, Resolved, 
That while we continue to regard with paternal interest and cordial affec- 
tion the American Tract Society, and while we sincerely rejoice in its 
noble endeavors to furnish, both for our own and heathen lands, such 
evangelical publications as present the coincident sentiments of the several 
denominations represented in it, we feel ourselves solemnly called on 
by our allegiance to Christ, to aid this Society in supplying a series of 
tracts, which shall not exclude any portion of God’s revealed truth. 

In sustaining the Resolution, brother Babcock remarked that his early 
connection with the American Tract Society, his frequent endeavors to 
advocate its claims and promote its interests, both on its own platform 
and elsewhere, the undiminished confidence which he considered, in the 
integrity, zeal, and enterprise of its Directors, and in the worthiness and 
disinterestedness of its objects, must be his apology for introducing it by 
name, in this resolution. He adverted also with pleasure, to the good 
which it had indirectly accomplished, by carrying a more full conviction 


[221 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








to each branch of the great Protestant Christian family, that the points 
of agreement among them are numerous and immensely important, com- 
pared with those in which they differ. That—to a very great extent—they 
have a common cause, and contend against common foes. As different 
cohorts in the army of Immanuel, they have indeed their different ensigns; 
but over them all floats the common banner of the Cross. They obey one 
leader and have felt reassured in the ultimate success of their cause, by 
seeing with what facility. they can concentrate their forces on a common 
point, and press home the charge of truth, upon the consciences and hearts 
of men. The effect of this union, upon the unbelieving world around us 
cannot but be salutary. It has complied with the frequent, but he feared, 
hypocritical requirement of sceptical and captious men, who are incessantly 
demanding of Christians, “ First be united among yourselves before you 
attempt convincing us.’ Here we show them, in scores and hundreds of 
the Society’s publications that we are united; and if they had been honest 


in the requirement, they would now be constrained to consider our testi- 
mony. 


There is abundant evidence that eighty-five years ago our 
leaders were more alive to this question than they have been 
some of the time since then. Our own “ Sabbath-school 


Treasury,’ reviewing in 1838 a book on Christian Union by 
Harris, said: 


We are very glad to see books on the subject of Christian Union multi- 
plying. With regard to the importance and desirableness of union among 
those who love our Lord Jesus Christ there can be no question. 


One of those multiplying books was by Baron Stow, a founder 
of our Society. 


In 1840 the Board proposed among other things, 


That an amicable agreement be entered into with the American Tract 
Society, and the American Sunday School: Union, to obtain their publica- 
tions on the best possible terms, and that they be circulated by our agents, 
and sold at our Depositories, in connection with our own denominational 


publications, and at such prices as will enable us to cover contingent 
expenses on all sales. 


This has been the constant practise of the Society. A pro-- 
vision in the founding of the J. P. Crozer Memorial Fund by 


his family (1866) is perhaps unique in the history of denomi- 
national societies: 


[ 222 ] 


FIELD CONTACTS 


It is especially stipulated that the yearly income derived from one-eighth 
part of said MEMORIAL FUND shall be expended in the four different 
ways above designated, among needy applicants from evangelical churches 
irrespective of denomination. And this, in the opinion of the donor of this 
eighth part of the MEMORIAL FUND will accord with the views of the 
beloved parent, whose language on his dying bed was, ‘ How shall denomi- 
national differences appear on the threshhold of eternity! ” 


In the same decade a humble colporter on the frontier, A. 
D. McMichael, in Oregon, described in Baker’s “ Baptist His- 
tory of the North Pacific Coast,’ was doing good to all. ‘“ No 
Sunday school was left without help and libraries, if needed, 
these not always confined to Baptist Sunday schools.” 

An occurrence like that recorded in 1874 is not unique but 
it is a valuable waymark on the heavenly road: 

At this point Rev. A. D. Gillette, D. D:, stated that last year, at Albany, 
he was chairman of a committee appointed to convey to the General Con- 
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church the congratulations of our 
Societies and our wishes for the success and prosperity of our brethren 
of the M. E. Church, and that he had done so and was received with 
expressions of warm Christian regard. He suggested as the Delegates 
from the General Conference were now present, and were compelled to 
leave this evening, that they be introduced to our Society at this time, 
which was agreed to; whereupon the President welcomed to the platform 
the Rev. C. D. Foss, D. D., of New York, and Rev. D. Stevenson, of Ken- 


tucky, in words of fraternal greeting. Doctor Foss and Mr. Stevenson 
made thrilling addresses, which were most cordially received. 


That same year the jubilee catalog of the Society names many 
Pedobaptist houses whose publications are furnished by us. 

In the last half of the one hundred years, we expect solid 
progress in interdenominational cooperation. We have else- 
where seen with what a noble part our workers are credited by 
others as taking in the great steps of general Sunday-school 
and religious educational progress. The Department of Social 
Education has very wide recognition as furnishing leadership 
among the foremost. 

On this whole vital matter our story must content itself with 
a glimpse of the trend of today through two paragraphs in 
the report of 1916: 


[ 223 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








The Sunday School Council of the Evangelical Denominations is per- 
haps the most important of the interdenominational organizations with 
which we are in cooperation. During the past year the Council, through 
chosen representatives, held several conferences with the World’s Sunday 
School Association, the International Sunday School Association, and 
several foreign mission boards or societies representing Sunday-school 
work on foreign fields. The result of these conferences was an agreement 
to reorganize the Board of the World’s Sunday School Association so as 
to admit upon its membership representatives of the foreign mission boards 
or societies, and of the Sunday School Council. This arrangement will 
tend greatly to enlarge and unify Sunday-school work on foreign fields. 
The Publication Society should feel a special interest in this matter, 
since its Keystone Graded Series of Sunday-school Lessons has been 
chosen as the very best to be adapted for use by the China Sunday School 
Union, representing all evangelical denominations in the Chinese Empire. 
Translations of this series are now being used in China by all denomina- 
tions. Apart from this ‘special matter, the Sunday School Council has been 
of the greatest value in improving Sunday-school methods and in outlining 
lessons for study. There is perhaps no organization in the country which 
has connected with it more possibilities of good to the millions of children 
in the Sunday schools and young people’s societies of the land. It is an 
occasion for gratitude and pride that The American Baptist Publication 
Society was the prime mover in the formation of this most important 
organization. 


Thus it is that close, practical, efficient cooperation is bring- 
ing to pass the spiritual realities which never were and never 
could be attained by the antique idea of organic church union. 

Spiritual unity being-the only secure foundation for organic 
unity, when the former is reached the latter follows. The 
most successful example of organic union in recent church 
history is that of Baptists and Free Baptists. The two, after 
sharp original differences, had come to see eye to eye on most 
things. Accordingly about 1910 one after another the various 
phases of activity of the two denominations were merged. 
The most conspicuous merger was in foreign missions. In 
the sphere of the Publication Society were two features, young 
people’s work and Sunday-school lesson helps. The former 
is considered in section 114. The latter is modestly stated by 
Dr. George F. Mosher as “ the turning over of the Free Baptist 
Sunday-school quarterlies and Lesson Leaves to the Sunday- 


[ 224 ] 


FIELD CONTACTS 


school Department of The American Baptist Publication 
DOCIeLy. 

For nearly a century and a quarter publication activities by 
Free Baptists had been large and varied. In 1787 they began 
the publication of anti-Calvinistic arguments. A sermon by 
Jeremiah Walker on “ The Fourfold State of Calvinism Ex- 
amined and Shaken ” was published in 1793 by the Edgecomb, 
Maine, Quarterly Meeting and was extensively circulated. 
The first periodical was “ Buzell’s Religious Magazine” in 
i811. The first hymn-book was issued in 1823. The “ Morn- 
ing Star” began to shine May 11, 1826, and was not merged 
in “ The Watchman” until 1911. It was a pioneer against 
slavery. In 1831 the General Conference established the Book 
Concern. This was incorporated as the “ Freewill Baptist 
Printing Establishment ’”’ in 1846. It had acquired (1844) 
‘headquarters at Dover, N. H., which were enlarged and were 
occupied for forty-one years, when removal was made to its 
new commodious building at 457 Shawmut Avenue, Boston. 
In 1880 it was issuing 100 bound volumes and 570 smaller 
publications. For many years it turned over large profits to 
other benevolent organizations in the denomination, e. g., in: 
1856, $21,006.71. The present section can be only a hint of 
the publication work of Free Baptists during the century we 
are reviewing. ‘The literary and other cultural contributions 
of Free Baptists in our denominational stream of life is a 
theme deserving a volume. 


[ 225 ] 


DIVISION FOUR 


GROWING SPHERES OF LIGHT 


XI 


CLASSES OF PEOPLE 


111. Members and Ministers 


Light which is needed everywhere is indispensable in a 
democracy. A denomination which is democratic to the last 
degree possible, having no official rulers and no ceremonial 


s 


priesthood, all, in theory, being “an elect race, a kingly priest- 


hood,” must have wide-spread diffusion of light. This is the 
fact which was gripping the founders and fathers of the 
Publication Society. In the second annual report they said: 


Alas, many of our churches are destitute of pastors, enjoying only occa- 
sional opportunities of hearing the word of life dispensed; and many 
extensive portions of our Southern, and especially of our Western States, 
are seldom visited by preachers of the gospel. We cannot send them 
preachers, nor are they able to support them if sent. But can we not send 
them these silent, though efficient messengers of truth, which cost but 
little, and consume nothing? 


A comprehensive project is launched, as reported at the 
sixth annual meeting: ? 


At the monthly meeting of the Board in April, it was resolved to supply 
every Baptist church in the United States, that had not supplied itself, 
with tracts from No. 1 to No. 54, making 600 pages, gratis, on application 
of a minister or a deacon of each church, as specimens of our publications ; 
with the hope that they would so approve of them as to make efforts to 
obtain others—not only of those numbers, but of the whole series. It was 
believed that there are at least 4,000 Baptist churches in the United States 
and British Provinces, that had not seen our tracts; and although the effort 


[ 226 | 


“CLASSES OF PEOPLE 


appeared a great one for our means, yet in reliance on the favor of God 
and the aid of his people, the resolution was adopted. In July the Agent 
addressed a circular to all the Associations, requesting them to lay the 
subject before the churches, that they might order the tracts of the 
Agents of our Depositories. Many of them have passed resolutions ap- 
proving the plan and objects of the Society, and recommending the churches 
to receive our donation and form Societies for the further circulation of 
them. Four hundred and fifty churches have applied for tracts. The 
number of pages issued gratis to these is 270,000. 


That illustrious home-mission Pioneer of Light who was 
our Secretary at an early day, John Mason Peck, put it this 
way in the Board’s report of 1844: 


The circumstances of the great family of Baptists in North America are 
somewhat peculiar. In past years, with a ministry regarded by some Chris- 
tian sects as feeble and insignificant, they have increased in church commu- 
nicants in the ratio of doubling every twelve years. In half a century, 
from about 400 churches and 70,000 communicants, we have increased, in 
the regular connection, to about 9,000 churches and 750,000 members. Yet 
we have less than 6,000 ordained ministers and licentiates, including those 
superannuated, and those employed in other professional pursuits, or secu- 
lar labors for a support. A considerable proportion of our ministers are 
evangelists—deficient in qualifications for the pastoral office. Yet many 
of this class are peculiarly successful in publishing the elementary truths 
of the gospel to their fellow men. They are admirably adapted for the 
work of pioneers in the destitute parts of our country, and the Holy Spirit 
owns their labors in the conversion of great numbers annually, who, if it 
were not for their instrumentality, would be wholly destitute. These men 
are well fitted to perform the first branches of the Great Commission. 
They can teach the elements of gospel truth, so as to be instrumental in 
making disciples, and they can baptize the converts; but they cannot 
well carry out the Commission in teaching them to observe all things 
which Christ has commanded. They cannot train up the disciples and 
mould the churches so as to render them efficient, and infuse into them the 
spirit of a Christian enterprise. ‘‘ This state of things is not so much the 
result of neglect, as of the rapid increase of our churches and membership 
by the special providence of God. Hence the peculiar necessity in our 
denomination of the agency of a Publication Society.” 


The Society had voted (1843), “ That the project of provid- 
ing our destitute ministers and missionaries in the Western 
Valley with small libraries is an object of paramount im- 
portance.”’ 


[ 227 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








The next year Peck was able to report that “ thirty-four 
destitute ministers in the Western Valley received libraries.” 
Later, the illustrious layman Pioneer of Light, John P. Crozer, 
established a “ Ministers Library Fund” endowed with 
$5,000. His “widow, Sally L. Crozer, on herp seventictim 
birthday added another $5,000. The income of the still larger 
“Crozer Memorial Fund” of $54,000, established by his 
family, was specified to be used for four purposes, one-fourth 
of it in grants of libraries for needy colored ministers. All 
along the hundred years, pastors’ studies, and through them 
the members generally, have been illuminated by otherwise 
unavailable light. Instead of the four Baptist schools of 1824 
there are in 1924 three hundred, fifteen of these being the- 
ological seminaries. ‘Thirteen of the latter are in the region 
of the Northern Baptist Convention, which has also three 
training-schools. But the enormous increase in the churches, 
the polyglot origin of the members, and the vastly advanced 
educational demands of today, leave the actual need far greater 
than at the beginning. Still a majority of our ministers are 
without college and seminary training, and a far larger ma- 
jority without adequate salaries for buying books. The 
ninety-ninth annual report says: 

An unusually large number of gifts has been made this year, and the 
Society has made glad hundreds of ministers and students, by providing 
literature for their studies and Bibles for their use. There is great need 
of enlarged funds for grant purposes. We could thus double our useful- 
ness. We have, in a number of instances, given to missionaries who are 
abroad. It has been a joy to send packages of books to pastors and mis- 
sionaries in France, Poland, Russia, and adjoining countries. Our Students’ 
Fund for graduating classes in our theological seminaries has been care- 
fully administered, and many students have been made rich in additions 
to their libraries. During the past year, 4,182 books were given to 512 
ministers. Additional gifts for our Minister’s Library Fund would be a 
God-send to brethren like one who writes: “ My salary is very small. I 
have a good-sized family. I have honestly tried to save enough to get me 
some books to aid me in my work, but I simply cannot find the money 


to buy books, and I must make my appeal to the Publication Society for 
help.” 


[ 228 ] 


C. C. Birrrne, D. D., Missionary and Bible 
Secretary of the A. B. P. S. 1883-1896. 
Father of W. C. Bitting, D. D., Secre- 
tary of the Northern Baptist Con- 
vention composed of cooperating 
societies. Pastor Second Baptist 
Church in St. Louis, Mo. 





Joun P. Crozer, Esg., Vice-president of 
the Society 1851-1865, and Chairman of 
the Board 1861-1865. 

Father of Samuel A. Crozer, President 
of A. B. P. S. 1885-1911, Chairman 
of the Board of Managers 1872- 
1873 and 1890-1912. 

iSeorcemic Wrozer ss ember ot sthe 
Board 1866-1920, Chairman of the 
Board 1912-1919. 

Robert Crozer, Member of the Board 
1896-1918. 





BENJAMIN GRIFFITH, D. D., General Secre- 
tary of The American Baptist Publication 
Society 1857-1894. 

Hatnenoie |b sO rozer Grithithy Vin Ly, 
Ph. D., present Chairman of the 
Board of Managers. Noted author 
of medical works. 





Harry S. Hopper, Eso., on the Board 
1885-1918, and Treasurer of the Society 
1903-1918. 

Father of Mr. H. Boardman Hopper, 
of the present Board of Managers. 
Mr. Hopper is the grandson of Wil- 
liam H. Bucknell, one of the Society’s 
great helpers, and Chairman of the 
Board 1867-1871 and 1877-1889. 





OFFICERS AND WORKERS OF THE SOCIETY 
Who Bequeathed Sons to Continue the Work 





4 ~ © we =) 7 
PRS S|) a ea 
| d 5 y sl J} i] P| ‘ ~ a 7 
Eas Use Maeaaae a be 7 1 
Mi f 9 ita i 
wi! aM UF Peg 4 : ' haa | } vo : r 
| ] . . i* ¢ 
Veil taht AT a AO ; 
be \ r’. A f ’ i> 
eri vee Naat 
a . i? ra f. ri 4 i 
ey : * i ul 
; UR ie , ay Wire yy 
b ‘ i fi)! ee rn —, | 
Der aay) : hy). : ‘ aE } d 
We 3 ny we, wes 
rou } 3 i as A 
+ ths ‘ ¥i_< : , 
i j pe t J 
Pte (tid : 2 
| i fan 1 oh , 
F wis ‘ ies 't 
f ’ f > 
7 aad * 
a alae ti i oe + 
yA i04 # wi 
y hb ; ; ae 
} ‘ 
i A 
> . o 
> iy 
; Rie - a 
; T}) > th > 
a , F 4 
' { + 
i ¥ 
‘ ‘ ( y 
« . tae 
i. 
i i f th 
Hi k 
i r vy bok ley 
' ’ 
i —— 
‘ - ~ § 
' 
oe 
‘ 
i 5 
. ~ 
\ 
» t 
i ee 7 a 
sf hey ' Pama) 
’ ‘ , p 
‘ i ¢ y M , 
“ oa ’ 
¢ 
4 * ? 
t 
’ + 
* 
‘ 
; 
' a 
\ é ¢ ¢ 
A ' ‘ . Nae 
74% 
uy 4 ; 
’ i ey) : 
: ; 
} « 
; , ¢ 
# - ’ 
| b »e 
‘ vt « fe .. a i 
a ; e. r 
i ‘ 
‘ 
7 . 
f ry 5 +?¢ , 
’ LAs ms oe, 
* b= a 
i i ; 
' a ph ; 
At "if 
‘ rn 
© *% i > 
- j d é & 
; ( i“ ‘ ’ 
UJ 2 ~ ae - 
» an Pi ‘> 
; ba i nas 
‘<4 4 wy Pe 
( : i 
‘ 5 4 
F tow! ‘ ‘ or } ‘ ‘ 
. aes 
{ rab > *? % i a} q, j 
. se 4 ; ‘ " ' +r 
“al My. il Picea. Ws bo a? 
vert sf A) pleas mt’ 
a) : > / , ; sae at 
: a AEA. v! “ie ,, r 7, amas 
i P H de ‘ 4 I 


, 


; at yo dn eae te ‘i ieut! ‘ed 
, rid 


‘ “ ys 
me y a a é } — 
—_ P o4 ° i ; F 4 ba a 
MORRIE a ea eA se 
au 7 . S » / : 
i A itis At ee 
© ' / an, “af 
; van % F - a : if : ' vt 7 
y et ga ae q , 7 
; ; ‘ ‘ + oe d or : ; a 
u * 7” , , - s) ane y 
7 ie j , A i - eC 
a? a ‘Ae ‘ ae te, . re 
; , st ¥ £, ay at Evia call ae 
fae +¥* a 7 ot : an i - a 2 - 





CLASSES OF PEOPLE — 


In a recent year the Society distributed 3,271 books to 466 
ministers. 
112. Boys and Girls 


Boys and girls are the hope of the world and the hope ot 
the church. Consequently a very large part of the work of 
our century has been for them. ‘This great realm of light- 
giving has occupied our most important chapters, those on 
the Sunday school and religious education. 


113. Young People 


A large part of the work of the Society for young people 
also, is in the realm of religious education. But its relation 
to what might be called institutionalized young people’s work 
deserves consideration by itself and belongs here. It is not 
to be forgotten that as long ago as 1830 the Tract Magazine 
had what was explicitly called the “ Youth’s Department ” 
which was to be “ put in covers by itself.’’ That did not last, 
however, beyond the time of Noah Davis. Fourteen years 
later the “ Young Reaper’ was founded, which afterward be- 
came our great organ, carefully presided over by Doctor Grif- 
fith. He came to feel that something more was needed. Dr. 
William M. Lawrence’ recalls the fact that Doctor Griffith 
asked him to stress this in arranging the program of the 
annual meeting of the Philadelphia Baptist Association in 
1876. It will be noted that this was five years before the 
first Society of Christian Endeavor was organized. (1881.) 
Doctor Griffith said to Doctor Lawrence “in substance ”’: 


All of our churches have some sort of an organization for their young 
people, and have had for years. To a very large extent these are either 
social in their nature, or else a feeble imitation of the methods of the 
mother church. It seems to me that there is a special line of instruction 
for them apart from what they receive in the Sunday school. Now what 
I want you to speak about is the opportunity that the Publication Society 
affords for giving that instruction along the line of denominational polity 
and policy as regards local and missionary effort. 


1In “ Benjamin Griffith,” chapter VIII, ‘“‘ The. Young People’s Movement.”’ 


[ 229 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








As usual the executive of the Publication Society was on 
the alert. In the eighties young people’s societies were multi- 
plying fast in all the churches under the stimulus of the 
United Society of Christian Endeavor, which was organized 
at Boston in the middle of the decade. The Epworth League 
took form at Cleveland in 1889. In 1888 the Kansas Baptist 
State Convention of which that vigorous missionary pioneer, 
D. D. Proper, was then Secretary, took the following action: 


Whereas, O. W. Van Osdel has prepared a course of Bible lessons for 
the purpose of instructing the young people of our churches in Baptist 
doctrine and the duty of proportionate giving, therefore, Resolved, That 
we commend the plan as wisely conceived, and as well adapted to make 
our young people intelligent and stalwart Baptists. 


Doctor Van Osdel, Pastor at Ottawa, Kansas, had two 
years earlier “ begun work on a comprehensive plan for the 
organization of our Baptist young people.” At the same time 
Dr. J. M. Coon was agitating the matter in the Wisconsin 
Convention and issued “The Self-help Handbook for Young 
People.” He and Doctor Van Osdel started a periodical, “‘ The 
Loyalist.” A national convention of Baptist young people 
was called to meet at Chicago in July, 1891. The further 
originative factors deserve unabridged record in the words of 
the historian of the Baptist Young People’s Union of America, 
Drs VW Gonleys 


Benjamin Griffith, D. D., secretary of The American Baptist Publication 
Society, had manifested a deep interest in the young people’s movement 
from the first. He saw clearly the educative possibilities, and planned a 
series of publications for the young people, and had favorably considered 
the publication of a young people’s paper. The reception accorded “The 
Loyalist” made evident the demand for an organ for the movement. 
Doctor Griffith took the matter up with the publishers of “ The Loyalist,” 
with the result that The American Baptist Publication Society, after eight 
issues of the above paper, purchased it, and at once began the issue of 
the “Young People at Work,” the first number appearing December 13, 
1890. Dr. Philip L. Jones had editorial charge of the paper. His sympa- 
thetic appreciation of the movement, his remarkable literary ability, his 
self-denying application to and deep personal interest in the work, made 


[ 230 ] 


CLASSES OF PEOPLE 








it possible for the Publication Society to do through him what had been 
before impossible. The paper was adapted to the real needs of the young 
people of America; it was made strong in its purpose and character; and 
in less than a year’s time had gained a circulation of almost twelve thou- 
sand. Doctor Griffith entered heartily into the work of stirring up interest 
in the coming Chicago Convention. It was through his efforts and the 
financial support given by the Publication Society that that great meeting 
was a possibility. 

But there were differences of opinion among denominational leaders as 
to what should be sought in the convention. Should the new organization 
be strictly and uncompromisingly denominational? Should there be room 
in it for Christian Endeavor Societies in Baptist churches? Or should the 
aim be to control the organizations in all the churches? Doctor Griffith 
felt that there ought to be a conference of representative men to go over 
the entire situation before the meeting of the Chicago Convention. Such 
a conference was held in Philadelphia, April 22, 1891. The. following were 
its findings: “ The undersigned, cognizant of the fact that there is a wide- 
spread desire for a more thorough organization of the young people of 
the Baptist churches for indoctrination in distinctive Baptist principles and 
instruction in Baptist history; for more effective work in the local 
churches; for a better acquaintanceship among our young people; for the 
better pushing of all mission work—domestic, home, and foreign—suggest 
the following basis for organization: 


“1. That the Baptist national organization, when formed in July next, 
be on a basis broad enough to receive all Baptist young people’s societies 
of whatever name or constitution. 

“2. That no Baptist young people’s society now organized, be required 
to organize under any other name or constitution in order to obtain fellow- 
ship and representation in such a body, either State or national. 

“3. That such national organization adopt ‘The Young People at Work’ 
as the organ of the young people’s societies, with the understanding that 
the paper is to be impartially hospitable to all such societies, and that the 
paper shall especially devote itself to the indoctrination of the Baptist 
young people in the distinguishing tenets of Baptist churches. 

“4. That all young people’s societies in Baptist churches of whatever 
name or constitution be earnestly requested to cooperate heartily in Asso- 
ciational, State, and national Baptist organizations. 

“5. That each young people’s society shall be left to determine to what 
extent it shall participate in interdenominational societies. 

“6, That all societies of young people in Baptist churches be strenuously 
urged to subscribe for ‘The Young People at Work,’ and also to circulate 
other Baptist literature. 

“7. That while the national organization may recommend some model 
constitution for local societies, the constitution shall be entirely optional 
with all societies in affiliation with the body.” 


[ 231 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








This was signed by Wayland Hoyt, Albert G. Lawson, P. S. Henson, 

F. L. Wilkins, Benjamin Griffith, John H. Chapman, A. J. Rowland, C. R. 
Blackall, Alexander Blackburn, Joseph K. Dixon, Philip L. Jones, O. W. 
Spratt, O. W. M. Van Osdel, John T. Beckley, C. C. Bitting, A. W. Lamar, 
Charles H. Banes, Frank M. Ellis, William R. Harper, O. P. Eaches, and 
R. S. MacArthur. 
Doctor Smith in his History of Western Baptists says, “ It is 
questionable whether an organization really national could 
have been effected at ee had it not been for the Society’s 
advocacy and support.” 

There is not space for details as to the relation of the Publi- 

cation Society to the Baptist Young People’s Union for a 
third of a century since the organization of the latter. It is 
not too much to say that the Society repeatedly, as well as at 
the beginning, has been the refuge and strength of the Union. 
The Loyalist ” when taken over by the Society had less than 
one thousand subscribers. Eleven months later when it was 
given back to the Baptist Young People’s Union it had over 
eleven thousand subscribers. 

In 1908, the Society again came to the rescue and took over 
the periodical, now an excellent magazine, “ Service,’ and all 
the publications of the Union, including its Bible and mission 
study-books, “ The Old Testament and the Monuments,” by 
Ira 'M. Price; the “ Why Is Christianity True?” by Dro Hae 
Mullins, and the “Two Thousand Years of Missions,” by 
Dr. L. C. Barnes. The author of the last had suggested that 
the stirring word ‘ Conquest’ be used in the title of all the 
Union's mission study courses. The next year the educational 
and organizing work also was transferred to the Publication 
Society after careful negotiation and approval of all con- 
cerned. A Young People’s Department was established, and 
Dr. George T. Webb, continuing as Secretary of the Baptist 
Young People’s Union of America, became head of this 
Department. 

When Doctor Conley wrote in 1913 he added concerning 
1909 and afterwards: 


[ 232 ] 


CLASSES OF PEOPLE 


A year later the Society created “ The Young People’s Department,” and 

undertook the support of the general secretary, office expenses, and the 
general cost of field work. Thus the Publication Society has carried almost 
the entire cost of the movement; at the same time the work is directed by 
the Baptist Young People’s Union of America. At no time during this 
period of cooperation has there been any friction between the two societies 
in their common. work, 
In 1913 the title of the Society’s special workers in the 
Sunday-school field was changed from ‘ Sunday-school mis- 
sionary ’ to “‘ Director of Sunday-school and Young People’s 
Work.” ‘The next year an elaborate “ Standard of Excellence 
in Young People’s Societies ’’ was adopted. After a few years 
regional Directors of Young People’s Work also were ap- 
pointed, Eastern, Central, and Pacific. In 1923 the Society 
reported four periodicals for the young folks, not counting 
mieiiiue Ones. nor the Junior World’: ~The Young 
People’s Service’ (112-page quarterly), “ Young People ”’ (8- 
page weekly), “ Youth’s World” (4-pages, four issues a 
month), ‘* Girl’s World” (4 pages, four issues a month), with 
a total circulation of 17,604,899 copies during the year. Thus, 
in addition to all the Sunday-school lesson helps, we are bring- 
ing constant uplifting Christian impulse to hundreds of thou- 
sands of young people. 

In its young people’s work the Society in cooperation with 
the Baptist Young People’s Union of America and the Mis- 
sionary Department of the Northern Baptist Convention 
Board of Education entered its hundredth year with an “ ex- 
planatory leaflet’ of sixteen pages of carefully wrought, sug- 
gestive stimulus, entitled “ All Baptist Young People United 
in a Christ-Centered Program, September 1923 to June 1924, 
material for Month by Month Activities.” 

One of the luminous items in the century is the young 
people's work of Free Baptists and its final merging with the 
work conducted by the Publication Society. Soon after the 
organization of the Christian Endeavor Society a Free Baptist 
Society was formed in Massachusetts under the name of the 


[ 233 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Advocates of Christian Fidelity. In due time a national con- 
stitution was drawn, and organization was perfected. At a 
meeting of the National Society held in Marion, Ohio, the 
name of the organization was changed to the United Society 
of Free Baptist Young People. This was due to the fact that 
about one-half of the Young People’s Societies of the Free 
Baptists were Christian Endeavor and B. Y. P. U. Societies, 
and that there were some of still other names, and it was felt 
that one national organization should embrace all. No at- 
tempt was made to influence a local church as to the name of 
its Society, and the Publication Society in Boston kept supplies 
for both Christian Endeavor and United Society on hand. 

This Society held annual meetings from 1888 to 19o1, but 
from that date on all of the Young People’s sessions were held 
in connection with the General Conference of the Free Baptist 
churches, and records of their programs are printed with those 
of the General Conference. 

The General Conference in 1910 voted to cooperate with 
the Missionary Forward Movement and instructed its secre-— 
tary to forward to Dr. John M. Moore, the Secretary of the 
Movement, a list of the Society secretaries that he might send 
them literature to further the plan. 

In July, 1911, the Conference Board authorized the proper 
union of the work of the Free Baptist Young People with the 
Baptist Young People. The final minutes of this Society 
read : 


Resolved, That Mr. Harry S. Myers be, and hereby is authorized to 
make necessary arrangements for the transfer of the block and gavel now 
the property of the United Society to the Young People’s Department of 
The American Baptist Publication Society at the next session of the 
Northern Baptist Convention at Des Moines, Iowa, May 22-29, 1912, and 
that when such transfer shall have been made the United Society of Free 
Baptist Young People shall be properly united with the Young People’s 
Department of The American Baptist Publication Society, and all Free 
Baptist societies are urged to make such union effective by fellowship 
and cooperation. 


[ 234 ] 


CLASSES OF PEOPLE 








This was done, Rev. George T. Webb, head of the Young 
People’s Department of The American Baptist Publication 
Society and Secretary of the B. Y. P. U. of A., publicly 
receiving at the hands of Mr. Harry S. Myers the minutes of 
the United Society of Free Baptist Young People. Previous 
to the actual turning over, statements had been made through 
the denominational papers and by letter to the Free Baptist 
Churches and Young People’s Societies that such transfer was 
to be made, and these Societies were urged to unite with Bap- 
tist young people’s organizations in their localities and so 
further the united work. The number of Free Baptist soci- 
eties was in the neighborhood of 1,600. 


114. People at Large 


In the beginning the chief emphasis of thought, perhaps, 
was on those who were outside the immediate church life. 
Many of the tracts were-for the “ unconverted.” Not a few 
isenemewere tor . sceptics -and infidels’ In the list of 
- those published before leaving Washington were “ An Infidel 
SonvmceaspyrasCuiid: and) Death of an Infidel” | Much 
space was given in “ The Tract Magazine ”’ and even in annual 
reports for many years to stories of the convincing and con- 
verting efficacy of tracts. From the beginning tracts, pam- 
phlets, and books uncounted have been issued for the purpose 
of winning lives to Christ. Said Doctor Griffith in the report 
of 1863, “ We might fill a volume with the instances that have 
come to the knowledge of the Board, in which God has sav- 
ingly employed the publications of the Society.” After nam- 
ing twenty-four titles of which some very definite mention had 
been made as material of gospel efficacy, he continues: 


And many others have been indicated by grateful hearts as the means 
of God employed for their conversion. But these are only the known 
instances of good. The greater number are unknown. None but the 
recording angel above can tell in how many cases our tracts have been 
blessed to the good of men. 


[ 235 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


From the start, too, the printed pages have been regarded 
only as auxiliaries. The colporters and all other employees of 
the Society have been charged with the work of evangelism. 
There is no way of computing the number of lives won 
directly and indirectly by the press, preaching, and personal 
work of our century.’ From the nature of the Society’s work 
most of the resulting baptisms are performed by others. [ven 
so our employed workers reported from 1824 to 1919 baptiz- 
ing 57,487 people, twelve thousand five hundred in the first 
fifty years, and forty-five thousand in the next forty-five 
years. 

We are frequently reminded that the great majority of all 
the accessions to the churches come from the Sunday schools, 
and they are the special care of the Publication Society. In 
the early years of both Tract Society and Sabbath School 
Union, it was common to employ unconverted. teachers. 
Their conversion was one of the common causes of rejoicing. 
-For example, in 1832 the annual report of the Massachusetts 
Sabbath School Union said that by returns from 324 churches 
it appeared that 480 teachers had united with the churches that 
year as well as 2,314 scholars. 4 

The central stream of hght from first to last has Neat for 
the sake of winning individuals and the whole world to Christ ; 
evangelism in its most specific sense and in its broader senses 
has been the main purpose of the Society. 

When thinking of people at large benefited by the Society 
we must remember also, that conversion is only the beginning 
of blessings. The illumination of human lives through 
churches and Sunday schools by means of light generated 
through the Publication Society is beyond measurement. For 
example, a United States Cabinet officer in our centennial 
year, though he has not yet united with the church, writes the 
author words of profound gratitude for the benefits of a 
Baptist Sunday school, which helped in shaping his character. 


[ 236 | 


XIT 


REGIONS OF EARTH 


115. Aboriginal America 


The “First Americans” were soon looked after by the 
Society. Our tracts “can be circulated to great advantage 
from our missionary stations among the Indians” (1829). 
A donation was sent in the summer of 1832 to Mr. John 
Davis, a Creek Indian, a Baptist preacher among his country- 
men, west of the Mississippi. In reply, he writes as follows: 

Three weeks ago I received the tracts which you had the kindness to 
send me. I thank you for your kindness. Your publications I should be 
very thankful to receive, for I live in a country which affords no means 
of information. I would also ask you for some Sabbath-school books, 
for Brother Lewis and myself are about to open a Sabbath school, with 
very few spelling-books. However, we have been advised by Brother Mc- 
Coy to cut the leaves out of the spelling-books and give to the people, if 


we should have more people than books, and to teach on with those books 
until we can get a supply from some quarter. 


The second annual report of our American and Foreign 
Bible Society (1839), of which account has been given in - 
Chapter IV, says that American Baptist missionaries 


are now preparing faithful versions of the whole or portions of the 
Bible in Cherokee, Shawnee, Delaware, Otoe, Creek, Choctaw, and Ojibwa. 


116. The Great Valley 


“The Great Valley’ was a current phrase on the lips of 
J. M. Peck who had gone into the Mississippi Valley in 1817, 
as the missionary of the Triennial Convention. In 1826 the 
Board of the General Tract Society said: 


Cast your eye over the wide fields of the South and the West. They 
are already white for the harvest, but where are the laborers? 


[ 237 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








In the “‘ Tracts for Every Church ” plan it was found by 1832 
that the greatest demand was in the West (stimulated, doubt- 
less, by J. M. Peck). Eighty churches, more than half of 
these in Illinois, had availed themselves of the liberal offer of 
1829 during this year, and had received 53,000 pages. Of 
the utility of this plan and its adaptation to the wants of the 
West, the Board had received the following testimony from 
an intelligent correspondent residing in that region: 


The plan of giving 600 pages to each church is an excellent one for this 
country, and the friends in the old States ought to help in this cause. It 
is very important for this country, for almost every expense of religion 
and benevolence falls comparatively on a few individuals, and most of these 
struggling with the difficulties of beginning a settlement in a new country. 
I think I can supply one hundred churches in this way, if allowed. I 
assure you that a portion of the Baptists in the West are in a deplorable 
condition; but we do not despair. We see that light, truth, and holy 
influence are spreading. 


The next year, in October, 100,000 pages of tracts were sent 
to Rev. J. M. Peck, of Illinois, for gratuitous distribution 
at the West. The following is an extract of a letter from 
him: 


I have just returned from a protracted meeting with a class of people, 
who never had such means as tracts before to any extent. I made procta- 
mation from the stand at the intermission to give every person a tract. 
About 300 were present, and the people pressed around with great earnest- 
ness. I had to give away, in many instances, two and three to an individual 
who would beg them for an absent friend. During the intervals of worship 
the people were busily employed in reading them; thus a double advantage 
was gained. About twelve persons were converted at the meeting and 
many more were anxious. 


Its great pioneer in the West led the Society to endeavor to 
set up this growing light as a lamp-stand in every household. 
He speaks of 


the Board having received communication from highly respectable 
sources, urging increased activity in circulating our publications in the 
Great Western Valley, and giving assurance of aid, should the Society 
endeavor to supply every accessible family in the Western States with a 
bound volume of our select tracts. 


[ 238 ] 


REGIONS OF EARTH 


‘ 


That was a project of truly Western daring, “ every accessible 
family!” The Society voted to undertake it. Later there 
are frequent references to “The Valley Fund” for which 
special subscriptions were taken. The magnitude of the un- 
dertaking for those days is suggested by the record in 1839: 
“Amount received on the Valley Fund, $928.40; making in 
all, $3,778.65. Balance due the Valley Fund, $1,364.84.” It 
was a “ Five Year Program ”’ not without, some of the vicissi- 
tudes of such a program eighty years later. In 1840 the story 
ran: 


The Board in 1835 being deeply solicitous for the spiritual interests of 
the rapidly increasing population of our country, especially that portion 
residing within the extensive and fruitful Valley of the Mississippi, deter- 
mined, with a liberality becoming their station and their cause, to place 
a bound volume of their tracts in every accessible family residing within 
this interesting district. Consequently, the gratuitous distribution of tracts 
this year amounted to $1,196.21, an expenditure [which] though calculated 
to produce an embarrassed condition of the finances, was strictly within 
the provisions of their Constitution. 


In order to carry out this plan, a fund had been created by 
the Board, called the Valley Fund, by which it was contem- 
plated to raise annually $1,000 for five years. Before the 
middle of the nineteenth century the Western Valley was com- 
manding the Society’s best thought and endeavor. In 1848 
the Board said: 


Two astounding facts, bearing directly upon this subject, appear in the 
statistical tables of the denomination for 1843. These are: (1) The great 
deficiency in the means of pastoral instruction—only 6,343 ministers, or- 
dained and unordained, to 9,000 churches. (2) These ministers are very 
unequally distributed. The deficiency in New England, New York, and 
the Middle States, is only about 100; in the Southern States, from Mary- 
land to Florida, it is about 1,500—although the number of Baptist commu- 
nicants is nearly the same in each of these three great divisions of our 
country. What shall be done? These destitute churches must be visited 
by colporteurs, supplied with books and tracts; and the best substitute for 
the labors of the settled pastor must be adopted. The population in the 
Western Valley doubles every ten years. In 1790, there were but 108,588 
in all that region. In 1845, not less than 8,900,000. Now Baptists consti- 


[ 239 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








tute one-fourth of the evangelical professors of religion in that district. 
Consequently they have one-fourth of the religious work to perform. 
When will our brethren learn to provide for their spiritual household? 


To trace the expanding work of the Society in the Great 
Valley would be to retell in geographical frame-work a large 
part of the whole history. 


117. Western Slopes 


As the frontier passed from the Western Valley to the 
Western Slopes, the work of the Society extended to the 
Pacific Ocean. In fact, the Society touched ‘“ The Coast ”’ 
at an early day. Let Doctor Blackall tell that story: 


A letter from San Francisco, dated September 1, 1847, reached the 
Society after being nearly one year on the way, requesting a donation of 
Sunday-school books. Books were at once granted, and sent around Cape 
Horn. They reached California just as gold was discovered, and formed 
the first Sunday-school library ever used in California. 


The wide spreading of our light from the Missouri River 
to the Pacific Ocean is of great historic interest as depicted 
in the Board’s report of 1865: 


Beyond us are new States and Territories: Decotah, nearly as large as 
all New England, New York, and Pennsylvania; Nebraska, large enough 
to make two States like Ohio; Idaho, itself larger than all New England, 
all the Middle States, and Ohio and Illinois combined; Colorado, equal to 
two States like Pennsylvania; Washington, containing as many square 
miles as New York and Maine; Oregon, as large as Ohio, Indiana, Massa- 
chusetts, Connecticut, and New Hampshire together; and Nevada, equal- 
ing in extent all New England and New Jersey. Into these regions popu- 
lation is pouring by thousands. They will, in a few years, constitute the 
homes of teeming millions. And how are these multitudes to be won to 
Christ? We, as a people, have at the present time, in all these States and 
Territories, but forty-eight ministers. And of these, thirty-five are in 
Oregon alone, leaving but thirteen in all the rest. These men need help, 
the help of good books and free circulation. Each one of these servants 
of Christ should be supplied at once, with a large box of tracts and books, 
to use according to his best discretion. And every year he should be sent 
a new supply—all that he can judiciously use. 


[ 240 | 


G. J. Jounson, D. D., Missionary Secretary 
Dae pelo sO-LoOs: 

Father of Gove G. Johnson, D. D., on 
the present Board of Managers, 
Pastor Roger Williams Memorial 
Baptist Church, Washington, D. C. 





WILLIAM WILLIAMS KEEN, Eso., Treasurer 
of the Society, 1837-1855, on the Board 
1866-1871. 

Father of Dr. W. W. Keen, noted 
surgeon and author, on the Board 
of Managers 1872-1883. 





Rev. JoseEpH L. SAGEBEER, entered the ser- 
vice of the Society as a colporter at the 
age of twenty-three years. In 1883 took 
an active part in the Saratoga Conven- 
tion, when the work of the American and 
Foreign Bible Society was taken over by 
this Society. 

Patierote Osepnni ss pagebeer, ve ne D)., 
Member of the present Board of 
Managers, and its General Counsel, 
also Member of the Law Committee 
of the Northern Baptist Convention. 





Jacop G. Waker, D. D., on the Board 
1872-1887, 1891-1915; Editor of the 
“Baptist Year-Book,”’ 1872-1884, 1897- 
1914; Secretary of Board 1898-1914. 

Father of Rev. Charles A. Walker, 
present Editor of the “ Year-Book,”’ 
Pastor in Dover, Del. 





OFFICERS AND WORKERS OF THE SOCIETY 
Who Bequeathed Sons to Continue the Work 





REGIONS OF EARTH 








In 1875 Rev. J. C. Baker was appointed Sunday-school mis- 
sionary to have charge of the Society’s book, Bible, and 
periodical department on the whole Coast with headquarters 
at San Francisco. In some sections Landmarkism was rife, 
and the cause of Christ was greatly disturbed. The workers 
and publications of the Society were of great service to the 
churches in helping to clear their vision. A classmate of 
John E. Clough at Burlington, lowa, influential in the con- 
version of Clough, Rev. A. D. McMichael, was later one of 
the faithful colporters on the North Pacific Coast. 

During the last fifteen years of the century Rev. George 
L. White was the competent all-around representative of the 
Publication Society on the Western slopes. In 1920-21 the 
Society had thirty-four workers in the ten slope States, in 
cooperation with the State Conventions, one-half of them 
being engaged also jointly with The American Baptist Home 
Mission Society. 


118. The Sunny South 


In the letter of George Wood, first agent of the Society, 
giving an account of its beginnings, we have seen that men 
of the South were among “its first and best friends.” In 
1828 the record runs that 


The Charleston, S. C., Baptist Auxiliary Tract Society has recently 
resolved itself into the Southern Branch of the Baptist General Tract 
Society. Their plan of operation is well contrived and liberal, giving one- 
half of their receipts from subscribers and auxiliaries (after deducting the 
incidental expenses) to aid the operations of the parent Society and the 
other half to the contribution in tracts at 12pp. for one cent. 


The first large legacy noted is one of $500 (large for those 
days) from Deacon Josiah Penfield of Savannah, Ga. The 
next year a pastor in Alabama wrote: 


This country is filled with Baptist churches, but ministers of the gospel 
are scarce. The churches are in an inactive state at present, and much is 
needed to be done to break the lethargy which has long pervaded the 


[ 241 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








whole Baptist community, and awake us to a full sense of duty. Other 
denominations have become active in benevolent objects, and now the 
Baptists are of the opinion generally, that it is exclusively their work, and 
consequently sectarian. How can a benevolent spirit be produced with 
the most success, and this infatuation be exposed? My own opinion is 
that it must be done through the instrumentality of tracts—Baptist tracts— 
and Baptist missionary labor. But our denomination do not in this coun- 
try generally know that the Baptists issue tracts. We have no Depository 
in North Alabama. This is a wealthy country. There is much wealth 
among the Baptists; but public opinion must be much changed before it 
will be turned into its proper channel. If the resolution of the Tract 
Society, passed a year or two since (for every church to have 600 pages) 
could be realized by the churches here, it is probable that they might be 
attended with much good. We have upward of 20 churches in this, the 
Flint River Association. 


Doctor Brown adds, 


The Society responded to this call by an appropriation of 600 pages to 
each of these 20 churches, and to 63 others in Mississippi and Alabama. 
All the good anticipated has since followed. 


Although in 1847 the new Southern Baptist Convention 
formally committed its Bible work to its Home Mission Board 
and in 1851 appointed a distinct Board to care for that and 
Sunday-school work, the Publication Society continued to be 
relied upon by many in the South. ‘‘ During the later years 
of the war between the States hundreds of Baptist Sunday- 
schools in the South, impoverished by the war, were afforded 
help.” Let the next part of the story be'told by Dr. B. F. 
Riley, of Alabama, in his “‘ History of Baptists in the Southern 
States East of the Mississippi” : 

During the chaotic days subsequent to the close of the Civil War, when 
the Baptist denomination was seeking to rally its agencies, and when a 
new beginning was to be made in the reorganization of its work, the 
Publication Society came to its rescue. The work of the Sunday School 
Board of the Southern Baptist Convention during the war showed where 
means would accomplish the greatest good. The inability of the Southern 
Board to meet these demands left the South in greatest need of supplies 
for this important department of Christian labor. Sentiment in favor of 


Sunday schools had been rapidly growing since 1863. A most remarkable 
development of interest had been shown in this sphere during the ten years 


[ 242 | 


REGIONS OF EARTH 








following the period just named. But just where the interest was most 
intense, the source of supplies was cut off by the necessary extinction of 
the Sunday School Board. At that juncture, The American Baptist Publi- 
cation Society turned its attention to the cultivation of the Sunday schools 
in the South. It was a friend in need. With unstinted hand it gratuitously 
supplied hundreds of schools, both of the whites and of the blacks. Hun- 
dreds of Sunday-school libraries also were furnished in the same spirit. 
For more than fifteen years this work was prosecuted by the Society alone 
in the States of the South. Coupled with this was a colportage and mis- 
sionary system conducted under the auspices of the Publication Society. 

So great was the demand for Sunday-school and colportage supplies in 
the South, that it was determined in 1887 to establish a Branch House at 
Atlanta, Georgia. This was earnestly advocated by such men as Drs. Henry 
McDonald and H. H. Tucker. The enterprise was begun somewhat as a 
business venture, but when the receipts from sales for the first fiscal year 
amounted to more than thirty-two thousand dollars the experimental stage 
was passed, and Atlanta became the center of a great Sunday-school 
influence. A few years later, in response to a growing demand for the 
literature which the Publication Society was dispensing, another Branch 
House was located at Dallas, Texas, which, together with the one at 
St. Louis, constitutes the three in the States of the South. A fair estimate 
of the Society by Southern Baptists is expressed in an extract taken from 
an address delivered by Dr. J. B. Hawthorne at the opening of the new 
building of The Baptist Witness, at Ocala, Florida, in 1894: 

“The corrupting influence of the world’s bad books is opposed by the 
purifying and the ennobling influence of millions of volumes in which 
there is not a taint of impurity. In this connection it gives me great 
pleasure to say that among the institutions which are providing the world 
with a wholesome literature, there is not one that deserves higher esteem 
and honor than The American Baptist Publication Society. It is the one 
Baptist institution*of which every Baptist in the wide world can afford to 
be proud. Into every nook and corner of this great country its books and 
periodicals have gone to enlighten and elevate and save the people. With 
its magnificent facilities, directed by many of the brainiest and best men 
of the nation, and with the moral and material support of nearly four 
millions of Baptists, it is destined to accomplish transformations in this 
and other countries. Working harmoniously with kindred institutions, it 
will do much to emancipate this land from the dominion of an unclean 
and debasing literature.” 


It was a whole generation after the close of the war before 
the desire for a separate Southern Sunday-school and publish- 
ing society became dominant. The aim of the Publication 
Society was well expressed at the fiftieth anniversary in 1874 


[ 243 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





by Noah K. Davis, LL. D., of the University of Virginia, 
illustrious son of our second general agent: 


Southern Baptists originated this Society, and were its chief support in 
its early days. The claims of the South upon it are the claims of paternity, 
and are inalienable, for the Corban is abolished. Its recent movements 
show that the Society has not forgotten, and does not ignore these claims, 
but purposes to justify and establish its title as The American Baptist 
Publication Society. To its honor, be it said, it is exhibiting a truly Chris- 
tian spirit of reconciliation. It purposes to be national in giving, before 
national in receiving. Only let there be persistence in love, and it will have 
done for the Baptists of this continent the greatest work now to be done, 
inspiring unity of spirit in the bond of peace. Then, might it take to its 
bosom the beatitude, “ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be 
called the children of God.” It will teach us anew to answer the question, 
“And who is my neighbor?” by the blessed office of binding up the bleed- 
ing wounds, pouring in oil and wine. To fulfil this noble mission the 
Society will ignore, as entirely beyond its sphere, all past issues, political, 
social, denominational. It will treat with most respectful deference in its 
books, in its periodicals, by its agents, not only opinions—prejudices, if 
you please to call them so—but even the tastes of the people in every 
quarter where it proposes to work. It will not have two aspects, but be 
acceptable on every side, by every class, in every quarter. This is hard, 
but it so purposes, knowing it can never attain to national dimensions on 
other terms, and indeed any organization possessing any trace of a sectional 
spirit would be utterly unworthy of a national title. 


As late as 1898 Dr. W. C. Luther, of Georgia, speaking at 
the annual meeting said: 


Dr. H. H. Tucker—the lamented Tucker, formerly editor of the Chris- 
tian Index, Atlanta, Ga.—a giant in intellect, a great factor in our denomi- 
national work in the South in speaking of the Society used these strong 
words: “One thing to our mind is certain, and that is, that The American 
Baptist Publication Society is the greatest Baptist power in this world, 
and not only the greatest, but by far the greatest. If we err in this opinion 
it is not because we have formed it in haste. We know the force of what 
we have said, but we say it after a careful survey of the field. We say it 
deliberately, we say it with emphasis. The Publication Society is a stu- 
pendous engine under the control of our denomination. As such, every 
Baptist ought to know something of its history and present condition.” 
And even in that vexed question of Sunday-school literature there is the 
fullest recognition of the rights of the Society to publish and distribute 
in the South. The people of my section are not narrow. In 1891 in 
Birmingham, Alabama, the Southern Baptist Convention unanimously 


[ 244 | 


REGIONS OF EARTH 








adopted the following resolution relating to the literature question: “In 
conclusion, your committee, in its long and earnest consideration of the 
whole matter in all of its environments, have been compelled to take 
account of the well-known fact that there are widely divergent views held 
among us by brethren equally earnest, consecrated, and devoted to the 
interests of the Master’s kingdom. It is therefore recommended that the 
fullest freedom of choice be accorded every one as to what literature he 
will use or support, and that no brother be disparaged in the slightest degree 
by what he may do in the exercise of his right as Christ’s freeman.” This 
resolution was presented by a committee of representative men. The fol- 
lowing are the names of those who compose the committee: S. D. Mallary, 
Ala.; S. M. Provence, Fla.; F. C. McConnell, Va.; W. S. Ryland, Ky.; 
B. W. Bussey, La.; Joshua Levering, Md.; B. H. Carroll and J. B. Gam- 
brell, Texas; W. R. Rothwell, Mo.; L. L. Polk, N. C.; J. A..Munday, 
5;C.; W. GC, Grace, A. J. Holt, and J. M. Frost, Tenn. 


At last, however, largely through the leadership of Dr. J. 
M. Frost, the Southern Baptist Convention was won to the 
united support of organizations of its own to take the place 
of the Publication Society. 


119. The Colored South 


Before the Civil War ended the Publication Society was at 
work among the Freedmen. In 1863 the Board gives a touch- 
ing report of the work already undertaken. By 1865 its 
course is taking definite shape: 


The vast multitudes of colored people who have just emerged from 
slavery into freedom will necessarily, for many years to come, claim a 
large portion of the sympathy and effort of all our benevolent societies. 
We have been led to ask what portion of the mission properly falls to the 
Publication Society? What is their work among the freedmen? Not to 
send missionaries and teachers. The Home Mission Society is doing this. 
Our work seems to consist in preparing and supplying them with elementary 
religious publications. They must be taught to read. For this, books are 
needed. And the Board have issued the “ First Reader for Freedmen.” 
This work contains a picture alphabet, spelling lessons, and fifty-two short 
reading lessons, in simple style, on scriptural and moral subjects. It has 
been prepared with special reference to the great end of all instruction— 
the promotion of the spiritual welfare of those taught. It is largely illus- 
trated, containing eighty-six engravings. The converted freedmen, as 
soon as taught to read, will need to be instructed in the principles of the 
gospel. The Board have accordingly issued a little work for cheap circu- 


[ 245 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








lation, entitled “ The Freedman’s Book of Christian Doctrine.” This work 
is a brief epitome of gospel truths, presented in terms so clear, that even 
a little child may understand them. One missionary of the Home. Mission 
Society has been supplied with five hundred copies of this work. Others 
need it. Thousands upon thousands of colored children are being gathered 
into Sunday schools. Many are able to read already, and all will be in a 
little while. These must have library books and other Sunday-school 
requisites. How are they to obtain them? They cannot buy them. The 
Publication Society should be furnished with the means necessary to 
supply every such colored school with a small library. 


From that time on for more than forty years the annual 
meetings of the Society are often electrified by the reports of 
work done and by the eloquent addresses of the colored leaders 
raised up, as well as of their white friends. “ When thou 
sendest him out free thou shalt not let him go away empty ” 
was the text of a stirring address by Dr. J. C. Lorimer in 
1876. In 1899 a special meeting in behalf of the freedmen 
was held. Sunday-school missionaries of and for the colored 
people were foremost measures used. The work of the So- 
ciety for Afro-Americans is one of the thrilling stories of 
the hundred years which cannot be condensed into a single 
section of one chapter. It deserves a whole book. Perhaps 
it will come jointly with the Home Mission Society at its 
centennial. 

In later years a process has been going on not unlike that 
with our white brethren in the South. The annual report of 
1904 gives us a hint of it: 

The National Convention of Colored Baptists held its meeting last year 
in Philadelphia. At that meeting a conference was held by the secretaries 
and S. N. Vass, D. D., appointed for such purpose, with prominent repre- 
sentatives of the publishing interests of the national Convention looking to 
cooperation with the Convention on the lines of Sunday-school and the 
colporter work. There has been some correspondence during the suc- 
ceeding months growing out of this conference, but thus far no positive 
steps have been taken. In our judgment it would be wise for both races 
to enter into cooperation in Sunday-school and colportage work among the 
colored people, if arrangements mutually satisfactory can be made. We 


are now in cooperation with the boards of several Negro State Conventions, 
but this method lacks comprehensiveness. We shall continue our efforts 


[| 246 | 


REGIONS OF EARTH 


to secure an understanding with the National Convention. If these efforts 
fail it will be no fault of ours. 


One more glimpse of our continuing purpose must suffice. 
It is from the annual report of 1918: 


For a number of years the Society has maintained Negro Sunday-school 
workers. Dr. S. N. Vass has had a general responsibility for this work, 
assisted by State workers. Encouraging results are reported in teacher- 
training in the Negro churches and in the Negro schools. In 1917 more 
than seven hundred students followed a regular teacher-training course in 
a Negro Baptist academy or college under the teaching of a member of 
the faculty. A committee of the Board has arranged for a conference of 
our Negro workers in conjunction with the General Secretary and the 
Educational Secretary. It is the purpose of the Society to strengthen this 
work. 


120. European America 


In early reports allusion to the influx of foreigners needing 
gospel light is frequent. In 1834 the Society having sent 
money for the work of Oncken in Germany received from 
him one thousand tracts in German which he had printed. 
This was a luminous reflex of missions abroad. In 1846 a 
very capable German in Ohio, David Rothen, became a col- 
porter among his fellow countrymen there in response to a 
warm appeal from the Secretary of the Ohio Convention. 
The Board took a comprehensive view of the situation. 


The emigrants from Germany into the United States within the last 
twenty years, with their children born in this country, who speak the same 
language, exceed 1,500,000. From various sources of information, and 
principally from Germans themselves, we learn that in a religious point of 
view they are about equally divided into three classes. One-third are 
Romanists, one-third are Lutherans, and one-third irreligious, if not en- 
tirely infidel in their views. Lutheranism in Germany has degenerated into 
formalism and superstition, as every state religion will in time. The mis- 
chievous dogma of baptismal regeneration lies at the foundation. The 
Roman Catholic Germans are more liberal and accessible to gospel truth 
than any other Catholics. 


After six years the report is most encouraging: 


[ 247 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


The German element in our population is worthy of especial attention; 
and the great success which has followed well-directed labor in their 
behalf, supplies abundant motives for increased diligence in the future. 
The first preaching among them, advocating our denominational views, 
was commenced by Rev. Mr. Fleischman, now of Philadelphia, in Newark, 
N. J., in the year 1839. His coadjutors have multiplied till the German Bap- 
tists in this country now number 12 churches and not far from 1,000 
members. They have united in a regular Association, and are expecting 
soon to establish a monthly paper, as a substantial means of increasing the 
intelligence and strengthening the unity of their newly gathered member- 
ship. A large number of German colporteurs will prepare the way for 
numerous churches in the next generation. Three millions of German 
emigrants have found a home among us. 


The story of aid in German publications is a long and noble 
record. . 

Another early interaction of home and foreign missions was 
connected with the French: 

In answer to an appeal of the Corresponding Secretary for funds to 
publish “ Pengilly ” and other works in French, not only for circulation in 


France, but by the Grand Ligne Mission in Canada, a liberal amount was 
subscribed for these objects. 


The Swedes received a colporter in 1853. Fifty-seven years 
later The Publication Committee of the Swedish Baptist Gen- 
eral Conference of America, grown to a body of fifty thousand 
members (1910), was able to take over the entire publishing 
work which had till then been done for them by the Publica- 
tion Society. 


121. Canada and Latin America 


As early as 1839 free grants were made in Nova Scotia, 
also in another British province—Jamaica. Later, colportage 
work in Canada West is reported. By 1884 the wants of 
Manitoba and British Columbia are presented. The same 
year also the needs of Mexico are urged at length. In the last 
ten years considerable work has been undertaken farther 
south in the West Indies—Cuba and Porto Rico—and in 
Central America. 





[ 248 ] 


REGIONS OF EARTH 





122.. Classic Europe 


About the time of our organization we saw the eloquent 
collegian, Baron Stow, appealing for Greece. As early as 
1826 the Publishing Committee of the Society reported action: 

The Committee has also appropriated 300 dollars to the Rev. Jonas 
King, to be employed in procuring translations of this Society’s Tracts into 
the language of modern Greece, to be distributed under his direction, in 


his contemplated mission to that suffering country; a number of such 
translations having already been printed at the American mission press at 


Malta. 


For five years (1872-1877) the Society did a most capti- 
vating work in the new Italy, under the leadership of Rev. W. 
C. Van Meter. He was previously widely known in this 
country as a worker for orphan children. ‘The country was 
electrified when the story was told of his entering the long- 
locked city of Rome, in the wake of Victor Emmanuel, with a 
dog-cart loaded with Bibles. Account of his work was the 
great popular feature at the Jubilee meeting in 1874. But 
it was soon relinquished for lack of funds. “ He retains the 
perfect confidence and undiminished affection of the members 
of the Board.” 


123. Germany 


Germany made a tremendous appeal to our forefathers. 
The story is so momentous that we must let it be told quite 
as fully as in the original accounts. 

Mr. John Gerhard Oncken, of Hamburg, had received 
through a benevolent Philadelphian, Captain Tubbs, a few 
of the Society’s tracts. This German, himself not yet bap- 
tized because of being six hundred miles distant from a Baptist 
church, was so impressed with the value of the tracts that he 
writes in 1832: 

The publications of your Society on baptism are admirable. They 


were quite new to me, and have tended not a little to establish me 
in my purpose to comply with this part of my Saviour’s command as soon 


[ 249 J 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








as possible. I am very anxious that some of these excellent treatises should 
be translated into German, and be extensively circulated; for the views of 
baptism prevalent in this country are so injurious to the right understand- 
ing of the plan of salvation as laid down in the word of God, and to the 
spread of the gospel, that it is of the highest importance that they should 
be counteracted; and I think your tracts are admirably adapted for it. 
But alas! we have not the means to defray the expenses of printing them. 
It would therefore afford me unspeakable pleasure if your Society could 
extend its labors to infidel Germany. 

Thus began by the influence of some of our humblest tracts, under the 
mighty hand of God, the great work of Baptist evangelization in Germany 
as witness the following: 

The demand for tracts had become urgent, and the facilities for their 
circulation multiplied by the baptism of Mr. Oncken and six others, at 
Hamburg, in April last (1834), and their constitution into a Baptist church 
which called him to be its pastor. In a letter from him of September 30, 
he says: “ The English language is now much studied, so that I can always 
make good use of books and tracts in that language. The favorable oppor- 
tunities which now present themselves, ought not to be allowed to pass 
unimproved. The seed we sow cannot be lost; and I verily believe our 
little messengers and witnesses for Christ and his blessed ordinances will 
be instrumental in effecting a great change in this country. I pray that the 
great Head of the Church may direct my beloved brethren in America, 
and my unworthy self, to adopt such measures as he will own and bless 
in the extension of pure and undefiled religion.” This letter of Mr. Oncken 
led to the translation of Pengilly’s Scripture Guide, and the Memoir of 
Mrs. Judson, and their publication in German, at the expense of Chris- 
tians in this country, by the invitation of this Society. The results have 
justified the outlay. Twenty-two years have now passed since the first 
baptism in Hamburg, by Professor Sears, referred to above. The result 
is before us. According to the faith of Brother Oncken, it has been unto 
him. “Our little messengers” have been “instrumental in effecting a 
great change” in Germany-—a change glorious to God and to truth—a 
change fraught with the salvation of thousands already, and of tens of 
thousands yet unborn. 


But with the growth of opportunity came the need for still 
further assistance from the Society, so Mr. Oncken writes 
again in August, 1838: 

Our tract operations are in a state of great activity, and our fountain 
must soon cease to flow, if we do not receive more extensive assistance. 
We have distributed, since the formation of our Society, in September, 


1836, between 90,000 and 100,000 tracts, and the demand is increasing; and 
so are our means for sending them into the heart of the country, through 


[ 250 ] 


REGIONS OF EARTH 


some of our brethren who from necessity lead a traveling life. The Lord 
bless you, and all the brethren who have already rendered us so much 
assistance; but I beg leave to stir up your minds by way of remembrance. 
We cannot do without you; and we feel confident you will do what you 
can. I hope soon to have a number of young men connected with us who 
will carry the truth into the most distant parts of Protestant and Roman 
Catholic Germany. Dear Brethren, send over and help us. Eighteen 
of my dear brethren in Hamburg are already engaged with me in distri- 
buting tracts. At Oldenburg the little Baptist interest is growing, and our 
brethren are active fellow laborers. Through them out publications can 
be circulated in every direction, in that dark region, and the adjoining parts 
of Hanover and East Friesland. In Mecklenburg, where there are hardly 
any witnesses for the truth, I have one or two friends, who are ever ready 
to every good work. In Prussia, Russia, and on the Rhine, as also in 
South Germany, and even in Switzerland, I stand connected with dear 
brethren who are anxious to cooperate with me in the work. 


From that cooperation the Board was able to report: 


The Baptist church in Hamburg has grown from seven to fifty. 
Churches have been formed in Oldenburg and Berlin, the capital of 
Prussia; a Tract and a Temperance Society have been formed. A neat 
pocket edition of Bunyan’s Pilgrim has been issued by Mr. Oncken, at 
his own expense. Mrs. Judson’s Memoir, in German, will be issued in 
July; for which there have been already contributed in this country 
$725.61, and $460.13 (including expenses), paid over; also $122.93 have 
been received for German tracts. 


Rev. Barnas Sears, D. D., of Newton Theological Institu- 
tion, Massachusetts, in appreciation of the work presented 
the following resolution to the Board: 3 


Resolved, That a most interesting and important field is now presented 
in Germany, for the distribution of Christian tracts, which shall fully 
exhibit the truth of God in reference to the doctrines and ordinances of 
the gospel. 


We quote at length from the speech by which he sustained 
this resolution: 


The field we now contemplate has been opened to us by Providence. Of 
its importance I need hardly speak. It has a common language, spoken 
from the Baltic to the Alps, and from the borders of Holland almost to 
the Turkish dominions. The same tracts published for this extensive 
territory may also be circulated in the German colonies, so numerous and 


[251 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


large, both in America and Russia. Germany is the center of Europe; and 
in religion and philosophy is at this moment exciting a wider power than 
any other country in Christendom. Whatever acts upon Germany, acts 
upon all Europe. 

The present state of theology invites evangelical effort. Rationalism has 
had its reign; truth and nature are beginning to return, after the impulse 
which removed them has spent its force. The public mind is in agitation; 
and while its tendencies are toward sound religion, it is peculiarly open 
to impression. Revivals under young preachers of the new generation are 
becoming common in Pomerania, Silesia, and in the west of Germany. In 
such a crisis every effort is of great importance. As Baptists, we have 
fewer obstacles in Germany than at home. The opposition to our mis- 
sionaries is chiefly from the police, and that solely from the instigation of 
the interested clergy. Neither the police itself, nor the common people, 
have any hostility toward us. On the contrary, our missionaries are often 
welcomed by them with enthusiasm. 

Furthermore, the character of their religious books leaves us much 
unoccupied ground. Their books are, with the exception of elementary 
works, for their schools, either critical works for the learned, or merely 
sentimental productions, dealing only in the poetry of religion. Works on 
practical piety, combining solid argument with warm appeals to heart, are 
scarcely known there. Writings of such a cast as those of Andrew Fuller 
are not to be found at all. There is, therefore, an inviting sphere of action 
before this Society. 


It is interesting to note in this connection that Mr. C. C. 
Tauchnitz of Leipzig, who fell heir to his father’s business, 
at that time the greatest stereotype establishment in the world, 
had been baptized and ordained in England, and evidently, 
with “ other young men who are drinking in our views and 
who are in constant correspondence with our missionary,” had 
come under Mr. Oncken’s influence. Professor Sears closes 
with this fine tribute to the latter: 


Did Providence ever more unequivocally call upon us than in the origin 
of the German mission? What a man was given us at the very outset; 
what zeal and piety have marked his course; what success has attended his 
labors. It would be ungrateful to God not to acknowledge his goodness 
in this respect. Mr. Oncken was the first Christian I saw in Germany. I 
have spent weeks in his family; have traveled with him; have been with 
him to men in power, and in the abode of poverty; have heard him lift up 
the voice of ardent prayer in the house of nobility and in the house of 
affliction and distress; I have heard him exhorting in private, and preaching 


[ 252 


REGIONS OF EARTH 








in public; and I feel called upon to bear this public testimony to his inesti- 
mable worth. Such men as these, who know the genius, and habits, and 
feelings of the people, both in its strength and its weakness, cannot be put 
down. They know how to make use of public sentiment, to which monarchs 
must listen. They often throw the police into a dilemma, from which it 
would gladly escape. They can pass from one petty state to another, and 
always find a place to labor, even if persecuted. The German mission has 
remarkable facilities for translating and circulating our best tracts. To 
Mr. Oncken both languages are almost vernacular. How easily can he, 
who is a printer and bookseller too, superintend both the printing and 
distribution of tracts. 


After forty years Doctor Oncken by the infirmities of age 
was compelled to retire. In 1876, the Publication Society 
sent Dr. Philip W. Bickel as General Manager of the German 
Baptist Publication Society, at Hamburg. In his eight years 
at that post the work took on renewed effectiveness. In due 
time it was handed over to the care of our Foreign Mission 
Society. But the great development of our cause in Central 
Europe has clearly had its roots in the work of the Publica- 
tion Society. 


124. Sweden 


The history of the work in Sweden is closely connected 
with that in Germany and is quite as commanding, but for 
the sake of brevity we must be content with it in mere sum- 
mary as given by Doctor Griffith: 


The Society translated, stereotyped, and sent out several works in the 
German language; Pengilly on Baptism being one of the number. 
Among those who read this book was Andreas Wiberg, a converted 
Lutheran minister in Sweden. With God’s blessing it was instrumental 
in making him a decided Baptist. This man seems, to have been raised 
up for the special purpose of leading a great awakening in Sweden. He 
came to this country, and by careful study of our church policy, and the 
preparation of various books and tracts, fitted himself for his mission. 

In 1855, the Society was led by providences, that in authority were equiva- 
lent to a voice from heaven, to send Mr. Wiberg back to Sweden, to 
originate and direct a system of missionary colportage. While the strong 
arm of civil law was brought to bear against the public preaching of the 
gospel by dissenting ministers, missionary colportage was freely tolerated, 


[ 253 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








and God placed his seal of approval upon the work, in a most wonderful 
manner. Mr. Wiberg entered upon this work in Sweden, under the 
auspices of this Society, in November, 1855. When the Society transferred 
this Mission to the American Baptist Missionary Union, in May, 1866, 
there were in Sweden 176 Baptist churches, with an aggregate of six thou- 
sand six hundred and six members, and the work had extended into 
Norway and other surrounding countries. In 1882, a second call came 
from Sweden to the Society, to assist our brethren there in inaugurating 
and conducting a publishing and colportage work. In response to this 
call, Rev. Jonas Stadling, son-in-law to Mr. Wiberg, was employed for 
three years, during which time he laid the foundations of the Swedish 
Publication Society. 


125. West Africa 
In 1834 the report says: 


The colony on the western coast of Africa will soon become a populous 
nation. The colonists are laboring to extend instruction to the tribes 
around them, and have applied to us for tracts that shall show them the 
way of salvation. 


The record twenty years later is both general and pictur- 
esquely concrete: 


Donations of books and tracts have frequently been sent to Africa, by 
the Society, especially to the various missionary stations of Liberia. From 
Brother Jacob Vonbrunn, of Bexley, Liberia, a letter has been received, 
dated September 15, 1853. Brother V. is a native African. He had charge 
of the mission of the American Baptist Missionary Union, before the 
arrival of Messrs. Shermer and Goodwin. He writes: “ We have but one 
school at the settlement of Bexley, which I had under my care at the time 
I received a donation of books, most useful books indeed. The Sunday 
school above mentioned is kept by myself, free of any other expenses; that 
is, the place where the school is kept was built free of any expense but 
mine, and now, to supply such needful articles for the use of the interesting 
little school, no aid has been received except from you. Though I have 
many other places to go through and preach, yet my interest is very bright, 
because it is immediately under my care, at my own place of residence, 
in a good size native town, where many, by my influence, have been brought 
to live together, with my late father’s family. Young men, women, and 
children, are attending this school. Some of them have adopted the habit 
of wearing clothes, which is an encouragement to them to attend the means 
of grace. I pray you could do all you can to assist me in such things that 
might encourage the poor natives to persevere.” 


[ 254 | 


REGIONS OF EARTH 





126. South Africa 


A widely international situation of intense interest is indi- 
cated in the following report of the Board (1854): 


Burman missionaries, in passing through Africa to Asia, touch on the 
dark shores of Africa, and send us tidings of men who perish there through 
lack of knowledge. They ask us to appoint a colporteur to labor at Cape 
Town, and name a man well suited for the work. The following extracts 
from letters of missionaries will awaken sufficient interest, we hope, to 
induce some friend or friends to furnish the necessary means. Extracts 
from letters of Rev. E. B. Cross, missionary to Burmah, February 2, 1853: 
“On our way from Tavoy, in Burmah, we had occasion to stop a month at 
Cape Town, South Africa. While there I became acquainted with a 
number of Baptist families, and parts of families, and had the privilege 
of baptizing a man about the age of forty-five, who seems to be a man 
of respectability, and well reported of by the brethren. There is no 
Baptist church in the place, but I think that the measures that were set on 
foot while we were there will result in the organization of one. A 
gentleman from London, lately settled in this place, thinks he has a call 
to preach. He is a man about thirty-six years of age, and has a good 
character for faithfulness and piety. He is a warm-hearted, zealous man, 
quite familiar with the Scriptures, and of the right views on the doctrines 
of grace and communion. He would be willing to enlist as a colporteur 
under your Society. This would give him a good opportunity, in due time, 
to make his way to the ministry, on which his heart is exceedingly bent. 
He seems to feel, ‘Wo is me if I preach not the gospel.’ If you think it 
consistent with the character of your Society, you can correspond with 
him on the subject of his becoming a colporteur. His address is W. G. 
Rawbone, Esq., No. 7 Ziche Street, Cape Town. For further information 
I would refer you to J. T. Lawton, Cape Town. Mr. Lawton is a very 
wealthy man, and a man of great liberality. I feel a great interest in the 
establishment of a Baptist church at Cape Town; for this, among other 
reasons, that it would be a stopping-place for our missionaries in their 
passage to and from India. This would be very pleasant to the missiona- 
ries, and they would be of great use to the church.” 

He writes again from Georgetown, N. Y., August 29: “I received a 
letter not long since from Mrs. Bennett, whom you know as one of our 
best missionary ladies, dated at Cape Town. She says: ‘ Brother Rawbone 
(the gentleman I mentioned) has been in, and wishes me to write for 
tracts from The American Baptist Publication Society. If you can get 
them as grant very good, but if you cannot, he will be responsible to the 
amount of five pounds ($25). He wants a good and large supply. If 
you can send out a good supply as a grant, or to be paid for, you can do 
so through the agency of the firm of Seecumb & Taylor, Boston.’ With 


[ 255 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








many hopes of the great success of this feeble effort, in a direction where 
I know great things can be expected, I remain, affectionately, E. B. Cross.” 


Another point in South Africa has been touched recently. 
In 1917 Dr. E. M. Stephenson organized a teacher-training 
class by correspondence. Rev. W. H. Doke, a student at 
Crozer Seminary and later pastor at Saltillo, Pennsylvania, 
took with him to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, full notes of 
lectures by Doctor Stephenson given at Crozer and Saltillo. 
The result was that Mr. Doke became Teacher-training Secre- 
tary for all South Africa and organized the territory for that 
purpose. 


127, Burma 


Asia through the Judsons and Luther Rice may be said to 
have brought the Society into existence. In the Fifth Annual 
Report we read: 


All the profits of the Tract Magazine were devoted to the publication 
of the Scriptures and tracts in Burman, etc. A beginning was made to- 
ward collecting funds for the publication of tracts in Burma, in the 
Burmese language, under the direction of the missionaries. 


“Tracts can go where Bibles and Missionaries cannot ” says 
the Report justly. And in 1832: 


The claims of Burma were enforced this year by an affecting letter from 
Mr. Judson at Rangoon, in which first recorded the memorable words now 
grown familiar with us all: “ The Great Annual Festival is just past. Dur- 
ing this festival I have given away nearly 10,000 tracts, giving to none 
but those who ask. I presume there have been 6,000 applicants at the 
house. Some come two or three months’ journey from the borders of 
Siam and China: ‘Sir, we hear that there is an eternal hell. We are 
afraid of it. Do give us a writing that will tell us how to escape it.’ 
Others come from the frontier of Cathay, a hundred miles north of Ava: 
‘Sir, we have seen a writing that tells us about an eternal God. Are you 
the man that gives away such writings? If so, pray give us one, for 
we want to know the truth before we die.’ Others come from the interior 
of the country, where the name of Jesus Christ is little known: ‘ Are you 
Jesus Christ’s man? Give us a writing that tells about Jesus Christ.’ 
Brother Bennet works day and night at the press; but he is unable to 
supply us; for the sale is great at Maulmain and Tavoy, as well as here... 


[ 256 ] 


REGIONS OF EARTH 


A spirit of religious inquiry is extensively spreading throughout the coun- 
try; and the signs of the times indicate that the great renovation of Burma 
is drawing near.” More and more urgent came the call. Writing from 
Maulmain, Doctor Judson says, “ American Tracts are in such demand 
here, that I should distribute the whole package in a few days if I gave 
them freely.” Besides this grant of their own tracts, the Board paid over 
$418, received for printing others in the Burman language. 


It is said by missionaries that in their towns they find natives 
giving good evidence of piety who have never heard a living 
teacher but become acquainted with Christ through a tract. 
A letter from Mrs. Wade to Christian women in Philadelphia 
published in 1835 was irresistible: 


O my dear sisters, in all I have suffered in leaving my friends and my 
own loved country; in all the dangers and trials I have experienced among 
the barbarous, degraded heathen, nothing has wrung my heart with such 
bitter anguish, as to be obliged to deny even a single leaf containing the 
gospel tidings to a perishing fellow creature, who had heard that there is 
a way of salvation, and had come to inquire for it. And can you not 
willingly lay aside the superfluities and elegancies of life, that you may 
be enabled to give bountifully for the purpose of sending the bread of 
life to those famishing souls. How shall we meet them at the bar of God, 
if we have not used every effort in our power to give them His word? 


No wonder that “Tracts for Burma” became a slogan. 


125:China 


It was in 1857 that we first responded to a ringing call from 
China. Missionary Shuck wrote from Macao: 


I have written a Christian tract in the Chinese language, of about sixteen 
pages, and it is now in a course of publication. The workmen have agreed 
to cut the blocks, and print and bind 500 copies, all for $15; furnishing 
paper and everything else. I shall have to advance the money myself. 
What do you intend doing toward publishing tracts in the Chinese 
language? 


Sixty-three years later the Society’s report declares: 


Ever since the formation of the China Baptist Publication Society, under 
the efficient management of Rev. R. E. Chambers, we have been greatly 
interested in its work and progress. Last year we agreed to set aside five 


[ 257 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


hundred dollars per year, or the interest on ten thousand dollars, for the 
support of colporters in the Chinese Empire. This year, your Board, at 
its meeting in December last, voted a donation of three thousand dollars 
from the funds of the Publishing Department, to assist the China Publica- 
tion Society in the erection and maintenance of a new printing-house, one 
thousand dollars of this amount being contributed by a member of our 
Board especially interested in the work in China. 


Again, two years later, 


During the past year we have given $500 to assist Doctor Ashmore, of 
China, in the publication of a Chinese Colloquial New Testament, and $500 
to the China Baptist Publication Society to assist the organization in issuing 
Sunday-school literature. 


In 1915 the record 1s: 


During the past year we have responded to an urgent call from the 
China Baptist Publication Society, indorsed by the American Baptist 
Foreign Mission Society, for aid in stocking a book-store in Canton, 
China, with a donation from our own stock amounting to $1,000. This 
donation, we trust, will enable our brethren in China to make a worthy 
beginning of a new phase of their publication work, attractive as well to 
English-speaking residents of China as to the Chinese people themselves. 
This donation, added to those previously made, including the $500 dona- 
tion we pay annually for the employment of ten Chinese colporters, makes 
a total of $8,000 thus far given by our Society to the China Baptist Pub- 
lication Society. 


129. The Seven Seas 


We have not been able to give space to all the countries 
mentioned in the records of one hundred years. MHayti and 
South America, France, Holland, Denmark, and Finland 
should be included, with old England itself and many others. 
Our leaves for the healing of the nations have been carried to 
the ends of the earth. They have sometimes done their re- 
demptive work on the high seas. Let this chapter on areas 
covered close with a quaint record in the report of 18290: 

An interesting young man, whose parents and a younger brother have 
recently become the disciples of Jesus, still remained himself indisposed 
to serious consideration of religion; and to the grief of those who knew 


and loved him manifested the alarming indication of growing skepticism. 
A mariner from his childhood, he was at this period the master of a 


[ 258 ] 


REGIONS OF EARTH 


vessel destined for a foreign port; and, on leaving home, he received, with 
a contemptuous sneer, the Bible which maternal affection urged upon 
him. To the intimation of his jesting companions, that he might soon 
follow the example of his parents and brothers, in their public profession 
of religion, he replied, with awful imprecations on himself if that should 
be. A few weeks bore him far away from those friends whose delusion 
he affected to despise. He was on the trackless ocean with no Christian 
near him. But God was there; and now, for the first time he became con- 
vinced of his power, and wisdom, and justice; and with this conviction 
came the overwhelming consciousness of his delinquency and danger. He 
opened the word of God, but it spoke of his condemnation. He fell on 
his knees before the Most High, but the imprecations of past years terri- 
fied his soul, and seemed to drive him from the mercy-seat. For five days 
his agony of spirit increased, and he was trembling on the borders of 
despair. At this critical period he found a small parcel of long neglected 
tracts. “The Great Question Answered” arrested his immediate and 
earnest attention. The first caution there given against some of the prin- 
cipal dangers of an awakened soul, exactly his own case, and the selection 
of Scriptures there adduced, kindled the first ray of hope in his darkened 
soul, that even for him there might be pardon; that pardon he sought, he 
found, and its peace and joy were shed abroad in his heart, - You can 
imagine with what feelings his father met him on his return; no more a 
scoffer, but a disciple of that faith which lately he despised. 


[ 259 | 


SUMMARY 


) 


The Duke of Argyll in his “ Unity of Nature” speaks of 


light as 


that sweet and heavenly messenger which comes to us from the depths 
of space telling us all we know of other worlds and giving us all that we 
enjoy of life and beauty in our own... Light reveals to us the fact that 
we are united with the most distant worlds, and with all intervening space 
by some ethereal atmosphere which embraces and holds them all. 


Our Publication Society as Pioneer of Light is not like the 
Statue of Liberty enlightening the world, a mechanical crea- 
tion. It is a living, growing giant, with a flaming torch. 
Tracts and colportage are its hands and feet, the Bible and 
Sunday schools are its backbone and head, Baptist loyalty to 
Christ and his truth are its spinal cord and brain, love of little 
children and other undeveloped souls is its throbbing heart. 
For one hundred years the hands have never lost a day’s work, 
and the heart has never lost a beat. 

The striking thing, abundantly indexed in the Tabular Sup- 
plement, is that the Society grew, grew, GREW. Its flaming 
torch all the way has been the Word of God, translated, ex- 
pounded, distributed, instilled. 

But our study has been inductive rather than metaphorical. 
Though the data are so varied and almost innumerable. 
patient attention has shown that they fall into four classes, 
growing Supplies of Light, growing Transmission of Light, 
growing Production of Light, and growing Diffusion of Light. 
The long hundred years of manifold activities which appeared 
in advance to be a chaos have developed into a cosmos. Every 
one of the five thousand two hundred Sundays has shed a 
clearer light because of The American Baptist Publication 
Society, and the Sunday light has streamed more and more 


[ 260 ] 


SUMMARY 


through every one of the thirty-one thousand week-days. Not 
only the whole white light, but also our special portion of the 
spectrum has done its work—shall we call it the health-giving 
violet rays?—so that, while during the century the population 
of the United States has been multiplied by eleven, Baptists 
have multiplied by twenty-seven. 

If we were to make a chronological instead of a logical 
classification, the century might be related to the important fac- 
tor of headquarters occupied: (1) “ Columbian Star ”’ Office, 
Washington, two and one-half years; (2) rented quarters in 
Philadelphia, five places, twenty-five years; (3) Five-thirty 
Arch Street, twenty-six years; (4) Fourteen-twenty Chestnut 
Street, thirty years; (5) Seventeen-one Chestnut Street, six- 
teen years. 

It is not so easy to assign precise periods of developing 
work, because much of it was a continuing evolution, all parts 
of the body grew throughout the century. Tracts were in 
evidence from the first day to the last. Books after they 
began never ceased. The same is true of colportage and of 
Sunday-school promotion. With that in mind stages of prog- 
ress might be noted for catchword convenience: First period, 
1824-1840, tracts outstanding; second period, 1840-1856, col- 
portage outstanding; third period, 1856-1890, Sunday-school 
“helps”? outstanding; fourth period, 1890-1908, chapel cars 
outstanding; fifth period, 1908-1924, religious education out- 
standing. ‘The simplest chronological division is by decades; 
though purely abitrary it is most convenient. A deeply vital 
and significant analysis would divide the century into three 
nearly equal parts: 


I. Before Griffith, 33 years. 
I]. With Griffith, 36 years. 
Piieeetter-Grithith, 27 years. 


The essential thing in any attempt to summarize the work of 
the century is to remember that men, not mechanisms, are the 


[261 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


dynamos of human enlightenment. It is men who invent the 
mechanisms, make them, use them, act by means of them. 
Tools, however, are an index and means of progress, often a 
decisive index and means. That is conspicuously true of the 
printing-press. No other thing has so completely marked and 
measured the advancing light of mankind. Before it a few 
literate; after it rapidly growing numbers of readers and 
thinkers. Before it almost universal darkness; after it swiftly 
spreading areas of light. There have been three supreme eras 
in the development of the mental life of the human race 
marked by the invention of language, of writing, and of print- 
ing. But even a Publication Society in which the press is 
pivotal has its main potency in the people who use it, giving 
it material, running it, and distributing the product. The chief 
part of the history is not that which has occupied the preceding 
chapters of this volume, but “ Part Two” concerning the fore- 
most personalities who have made the Society. | 

If a Part Three were possible concerning the vast multitude 
of Christ’s followers who have written the pages to be printed, 
who have handled them in office and pressroom, who have 
scattered them abroad and who have promoted the whole 
process, then would we have a complete picture of the Pioneers 
of Light. On a clear moonless night more illumination 
reaches the earth from the vast multitudes of stars which 
are invisible to the naked eye than from all those which are 
seen. This fact of the physical heavens is a far greater reality 
in the spiritual kingdom of heaven on earth where Christ has 
laid his hand on the lowly as well as the great. 

In the whole of its first century—as it will be to the end of 
its last century—The American Baptist Publication Society is 
composed of all the true-hearted who, loving God and neigh- 
bor, seek to serve them by this means of radiating near and 
far the Light of the World. 

The ultimate point in the story of the growing of this light 
of the Spirit among men is like the growing of the science and 


[ 262 | 


SUMMARY 


art of physical lighting, as they are depicted on the first page 
of “ Modern [luminants and Illuminating Engineering,” by 
Gaster and Dow: 


The most interesting history of illumination is now in the making; and 


recent developments, remarkable as they have been, will form but the 
prelude to even more striking progress in THE FUTURE. 


| 263 | 


Pr rh 


So i ee Se, rv Oa 
i er se ya 





rk 
4 ; 
, . * +. 7 ' 


ee ae 
obs esl 


PART II 


CREATIVE PIONEERS 


By MARY CLARK BARNES 





be Yh) fie 
/ et 
oon 
' 
a 
7, ? 
~ 
. us" 
- 
* 
1 ri } 7 
, 
4 
. 
J 
’ teed °? ne i 
' hie J 
ae 
Oy 
iy it 
, . 
i | t 
iy ae es ‘ 
roy ij 
4 ' 
ne j 
{ , 
rr 7A 
/ - : 
i 
t i) 
) 
i 
+ 
, 
‘ 
i 
5 
‘ i 
) 
‘ 
‘ ' 
2 
a | 
Be tt * 7 
‘ 
. a = 
i j 
* ~ 
? 
al 
. 
’ 
a x 7 
¥ a ‘ 
l 
"s 1 
*&% 
{ 2 
. 
~ 
2! cf Mae h 
re : F a -& — 
. 
ne i 
= - 
» 
| . 
. - 
ad ’ 
i 
’ 4 
i 
| qi: 
| ‘ 
‘ 
i 4 . es 
es J 
. 
Pitat at ' 
j - »' v 
e 
ar P 
. : 
P ‘ ‘ 
’ * is 
: : 
le - 7 Pp 
| ! } 
‘ y : 
‘ ’ a oy 
iY # if i ‘wr. 
~ : 
' ri .» nal 
i A aa ; 
¢ " ) j ~ 
. ‘ ;f 
wv ot 
; : ft Pa) a 
é , “ w 
’ 7 ' . eee 
i , P ij Wis a” 
i ' 5 y ’ d = ab ~” 
j : ‘ ur Py 1% 
A ‘ ‘ i ; “we - oa fip eer 
i : - ve . . , 


‘ ‘ ‘ : ' q iy [ . Obs bd al 2a 





FOUNDERS 


1. Luther Rice 


Luther Rice, the first Treasurer of the Baptist General Tract 
Society, was preeminently a creative pioneer. He more than 
_any other man connected with the organization of the Society 
was the inspirer of the Christian and democratic ideal of re- 
ligious education for all people. 

He was born March 25, 1783, on his father’s farm in North-_ 
borough, Massachusetts, and attended the public school of that 
district. He expected to live the life of a farmer. 

At seventeen years of age he began to consider his relation 
to God as the chief concern of his life. In March, 1802, he 
united with the Congregational Church after so thorough a 
conversion from selfish aims that he spontaneously turned his 
efforts to the promotion of religious ideals among his neigh- 
bors and friends. 

Deciding to undertake preparation for the ministry, he spent 
three years in Leicester Academy and entered the sophomore 
class in Williams College in October, 1806. In 1809 he en- 
tered Andover Theological Seminary. He met the expenses 
of his student life by giving lessons in singing and by teaching 
school in his vacations. In Andover he participated with 
Adoniram Judson from Brown, Samuel Newell from Har- 
vard, and Samuel Nott from Union College, in organizing the 
“Society of Inquiry on the Subject of Missions,” 
Luther Rice was made president. 

The petition for advice and assistance presented by this 
organization at the meeting of the Bradford Association, led 
to the organization of the American Board of Commissioners 
for Foreign Missions in June, 18to. 


| 267 | 


of which 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








In 1812 the Board reported sufficient funds available for 
sending Mr. and Mrs. Judson and Mr. and Mrs. Newell to 
India as missionaries. Later, in response to the urgent and 
persistent appeals of Luther Rice, the Board voted his appoint- 
ment on condition of his securing funds to meet his own 
expenses. , 

He collected the necessary funds in nine days following this 
announcement, was ordained with the others in the Tabernacle 
Church, Salem, February 6, 1812, and sailed from Philadel- 
phia February 18, reaching Calcutta the following August. 

After careful study of the form and meaning of baptism 

as indicated in the New Testament, he was baptized November 
By eng) by the English Baptist missionary, William Ward, in 
Calcutta, where Mr. and Mrs. Judson had been baptized nearly 
two months earlier. 

The war then in progress between Great Britain and the 
United States affected the outlook for service on the part of 
American missionaries. Finding doors of opportunity closed 
against them in India by the British East India Company, Mr. 
and Mrs. Judson and Luther Rice sailed for the Isle of 
France where they arrived January 16, 1813. Although they 
had been strongly advised in Calcutta to leave missionary 
work in India to British missionaries and to devote their 
energies to Christianizing the Indians of America, they had 
not faltered in their conviction of duty to the needy millions 
of India. After earnest prayer and counsel together it was 
agreed by the three that Mr. and Mrs. Judson should remain 
in the Orient and that Luther Rice would return to America, 
“to adjust in a regular and proper way his relations with the 
Board which had sent him out and to try to engage American 
Baptists in missionary undertakings.” 

Expecting to return as soon as these projects could be ac- 
complished, he decided, in order to avoid loss of time, “ to 
study the Malay language en route.” He was “ to investigate 
South America as a missionary field,” in view of the possi- 


[ 268 ] 





LUTHER RICE 


Pioneer in Organization and Education 
Silhouette from the Original in the Library of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society 





FOUNDERS 


bility that India might remain closed to the efforts of Ameri- 
can missionaries. Incidentally, he was to seek to restore his 
health which had become seriously impaired in the experiences 
of the months since leaving America. 

He spent two months in South America, reached New York 
September 7, 1813, and was granted audience by the Congre- 
gational Board September 15. 

In their disappointment at the loss of their missionaries, 
members of the Board were unable to rise to a sympathetic 
attitude toward the experiences of the Judsons and Mr. Rice. 

A committee reporting at the next annual meeting the dis- 
solution of the relation which had existed between the Ameri- 
can Board and the two missionaries, Rev. Luther Rice and 
Rev. Adoniram Judson, added: 

The committee has no disposition to impeach the sincerity of these men, 
but they regret that the subject was not examined before so late a day. 
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure. We repose our hopes 


on this in spite of the instability which we regret to record, but against 
which no human foresight could provide. 


So slow and uncertain were the mails at this time of war 
and embargo between America and British India that report 
of the action of the American Board, taken September 15, 
1813, formally releasing the two missionaries from their em- 
ploy did not reach Mr. Judson until September 5, 1815. 

After his interview with the Board which had authorized 
his going to India as a missionary, Mr. Rice met and took 
counsel with Baptist leaders in Boston, then visited Baptist 
churches in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, 
Charleston, Richmond, Savannah, and other cities, spending 
the winter chiefly in the South. Everywhere, North and 
South, an enthusiastic reception was given to his message not 
only by Baptists but by Christians of other denominations. In 
Washington he was invited to preach before the Congress of 
the United States, and contributions for the work which he 
represented were given by various members. 


[ 269 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Through his exertions twenty local missionary societies were 
formed, more than $1,300 was collected for missionary work, 
and plans were made which resulted in the organization in 
Philadelphia, May 14, 1814, of the “ General Convention of © 
the Baptist Denomination in the United States for Foreign 
Missions.”’ 

When the organization had been effected Luther Rice was 
elected its first missionary appointee and General Agent and 
was instructed 
to continue his itinerant services in these United States for a reasonable 
time; with a view to excite the public mind more generally to engage in 


missionary exertions; and to assist in originating Societies or institutions 
for carrying the missionary design into execution. 


This commission was couched in terms so vague and gen- 
eral as to leave details to be worked out by Mr. Rice in the 
development of a type of service hitherto unknown by those 
who had commissioned him. It was interpreted by him as 
allowing full scope for employing to the utmost all his powers 
in the promotion of Christian service among the Baptists of 
America. 

His thorough education, coupled with wide observation and 
experience and supplemented by months of study and reflection 
on missionary problems, had qualified him to take a compre- 
hensive view of the needs and the opportunities of the denomi- 
nation in which he was enlisting for life service. At that 
time the entire population of the United States was less than 
the number of foreign-born residents in our country today. 

Except in limited areas public schools were in a rudimentary 
stage of development. Reaction against the ‘“ New England 
Primer” type of education which had prevailed in Colonial 
days, favored eliminating religious materials from their cur- 
ricula. The flame of democracy which had kindled revolu- 
tionary fires still burned brightly in the new Republic. In 
their eagerness to diffuse democratic ideals among the people, 
few educational leaders had learned to trace those ideals to 


[ 270 ] 


FOUNDERS 


their source in the heart of Jesus Christ, the Light of the’ 
world, the great Democrat of all the ages, who came that 
men “might have life and have it more abundantly.”’ 

Luther Rice, commissioned by God as well as by the Baptist 
General Convention, for missionary service, saw clearly the 
need for trained leadership and for general diffusion of re- 
ligious intelligence as essentials in “ carrying the missionary 
design into effective execution.” 

The Baptist General Tract Society, although entirely distinct 
and independent in its organization, was so closely associated 
with the General Convention of Baptists and, later, with 
Columbian College, through the personnel of its officers and 
directors, that no intelligent account can be given of its creative 
pioneers without reference to their work in connection with 
the two other organizations, and with each other. 

By the time of the meeting of the Board of the Convention 
in April, 1815, Luther Rice was in communication with one 
hundred and fifteen Baptist Associations in twenty States 
and Territories and had “ visited many of them personally.”’ 
His detailed reports to the Board of his activities in 1816 and 
1817 form a chapter of thrilling interest in the missionary 
history of our country. 

In the second meeting of the General Convention of the 
Baptist Denomination in the United States for Foreign Mis- 
sions—its Triennial Convention, in 1817—strong appeals 
were made for educational work. An amendment to the 
constitution was adopted providing that, 

When competent and distinct funds shall have been raised for that pur- 
pose, without resorting to all mission funds, the Board shall proceed to 
institute a Classical and Theological Seminary for the purpose of aiding 
pious young men who, in the judgment of the churches of which they are 


members, and of the Board, possess gifts and graces suitable to the gospel 
ministry. 


The name of the “ General Convention of the Baptist De- 
nomination in the United States for Foreign Missions” was 


wan 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





elongated by the addition of the words, “and Other Important 
Objects Relating to the Redeemer’s Kingdom,” in order to 
fit it to the enlarged field of service designated by its amended 
constitution. The Board of the Convention at its annual 
meeting in April, 1818, voted unanimously to accept the 
offered cooperation of the Educational Society of Philadelphia 
and 

That a committee of five be appointed to make arrangements with the 


Education Society relative to the Institution contemplated, and to carry the 
intentions of the Board into full effect. 


In this same meeting it was voted unanimously 


That the Agent {Luther Rice] be authorized and instructed to press his 
solicitations for augmenting the special fund provided for in the Con- 
stitution, for this department; and at discretion request public contribution, 
and that wealthy and liberal individuals and the public at large be invited 
to aid this important design. 


It had been understood from the beginning that the location 
of the Theological Seminary in Philadelphia was temporary. 
Many considerations led to favorable consideration of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia as the place for the permanent establishment 
of an educational institution which was expected to be national 
in its constituency and its character. 

In 1819 Luther Rice, Rev. Obadiah B. Brown, Rey. Spencer 
H. Cone, and Enoch Reynolds united in buying a tract of 
land consisting of forty-six and one-half acres on a height 
overlooking the City of Washington and, with the help of 
other subscribers, proceeded to begin the erection of a build- 
ing 116 feet by 47 feet for the use of the college. 

The General Convention accepted the offer of this property, 
and in the report of the Board for 1821 we read: 

The committee appointed by the Board to procure an incorporation of 
the Convention endeavored at the last session of Congress to fulfil the 
duty assigned them. They have with much labor succeeded in obtaining 


a charter which completely covers the education concern. It imparts a 
full legal character to a College which shall embrace a classical and theo- 


[ 272 | 


FOUNDERS 








logical department; leaving room for arrangements which by the Trustees 
of the College have already been made, which place the whole institution, 
virtually and for ever, under the power of the Convention. The Board 
have since obtained an incorporation of the Convention from the State of 
Pennsylvania, which secures legal protection also to the missionary interests. 


In the Triennial meeting of the Convention, held in Wash- 
ington, in April, 1823, 


A resolution was adopted expressing gratitude for the generous devotion 
of the Agent to the College and other concerns of the Convention, mani- 
fested by the appropriation of his whole time and compensation to promote 
their interests. 


In the “ Address of the General Convention of the Baptist 
Denomination to their Constituents” published in “ The 
American Baptist Magazine”’ for September of that year 
we read: 

The Convention find pleasure in stating that their anticipations were fully 
equalled on visiting the College edifice, near the City of Washington, which, 
having been raised under their associated relations, becomes an object of 
their affectionate regard. .. They owe also a debt of thankfulness to their 
indefatigable Agent, the Rev. Mr. Rice, whose attention to missionary and 
collegiate concerns, has been steady and uniform, and who has obtained 
for the Convention a printing office, together with its furniture and two 
good dwelling-houses, which he has procured by the monies voted as a 
compensation for his services for several years past, and by the personal 


favors which, from generous individuals, he has had the pleasure of 
receiving. 


To this expression of gratitude to their Agent the writer of 
the “ Address” adds, “ Such will never ultimately suffer as 
wait for their recompense until the resurrection of the just.” 
This pious reflection characterized quite accurately the attitude 
of the Convention toward the financial aspects of their educa- 
tional enterprise. The address was signed by “ Robert B. 
Semple, President, Enoch Reynolds, Rec. Sec.” 

Luther Rice, then at the height of his power and influence, 
had been characterized as “a man of Herculean powers ”’ and 
as 


[ 273 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


possessing talents of the very first order, combined with sprightliness, wit, 
pathos, and a natural and vigorous eloquence—exceedingly felicitous and 
impressive in public address. 


In personal appearance he was described as being 


above the ordinary height, erect, well proportioned, of commanding pres- 
ence, and a peculiar dignity of appearance, with remarkable self-possession 
and readiness of utterance. 


His power as a preacher is sufficiently attested by the fact that 
Francis Wayland, when a young man of twenty years, in the 
last year of his medical studies, was converted under the 
preaching of Luther Rice and turned to the ministry and later 
to his great educational work as President of Brown Uni- 
versity. 

The Tenth Annual Report of the General Convention, pub- 
lished in the “ American Baptist Magazine” for September, 
1824, reveals the stress of responsibility placed by the Conven- 
tion Board on their Agent, Luther Rice, for securing funds for 
the steadily expanding missionary operations of the Conven- 
tion and also the enormous pressure exerted on him for financ- 
ing the growing work of Columbian College of which he had 
been made Treasurer. | 

That in this same year he was made Treasurer also of the 
new Baptist General Tract Society can be accounted for only 
on the supposition that he had come to be regarded as possess- 
ing superhuman powers. 

At the second annual meeting of the Tract Society in 
Washington, January 4, 1826, 

After addresses from Messrs. Lynd, Cornelius, and Stow, the same 


directors and officers were reelected, with a single exception—Mr. Enoch 
Reynolds taking the place of Mr. Rice as Treasurer. 


In New England a seed of disaffection had been steadily 
growing since the publication in 1814 of the comments of 
members of the American Board concerning the change of 
denominational affiliation of Judson and Rice. 


| 274 | 


FOUNDERS 


The publication in Boston in 1817, by Lincoln and Edwards, 
of the sermon preached by Judson in connection with his bap- 
tism in Lal Bazar Chapel of Calcutta led to an outbreak of 
hostility among Congregationalists against both Judson and 
Rice. ‘The attacks were so severe that the missionary, Rev. 
Samuel Nott, who had been intimately associated with them 
both, in America and in India, but who had retained his con- 
nection with the American Board, wrote and published an open 
letter to Rev. Enoch Pond, a Congregational minister of 
Ward, Massachusetts, refuting the insinuations and charges 
which had been made against them. 

In the Library of the American Antiquarian Society in 
Worcester, Massachusetts, is a collection of addresses and 
letters giving vivid record of the fears then entertained that 
others of the Standing Order might follow the example of 
these missionaries in becoming Baptists. The volume of 
pamphlets, Number 862, is especially interesting in this con- 
nection, containing material more suitably housed in the library 
of an antiquarian society than elsewhere. 

Such publications were not limited to New England. So 
late as 1819, in Vol. II of “ The Quarterly Theological Re- 
view, Conducted by Rev. Ezra Stiles Ely, D. D., of the City 
of Philadelphia,” we read on page 94: 

Our respectable Baptist friends, surely, will not boast of the conversion 


of Mr. Judson; nor glory even in his best missionary labors, until he shall 
confess and forsake the sin of lying. 


On page 93 of the same article, following a statement of 
the fact that Luther Rice also had been baptized after reach- 
ing India, we read, 

Those who have any knowledge of the Rev. Luther Rice, and of his 


subsequent labors and thriving in the missionary cause, will not wonder 
at this. 


In the better day which has dawned since that time Congre- 
gationalists have joined with Christians of other names in 


[275] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








extolling the virtues of these, “our first American foreign 
missionaries.’’ Even then, the Judsons, farther away, less in 
the public eye, were more easily forgiven or forgotten; but 
Luther Rice, present, active, aggressive in his efforts to arouse 
interest throughout the country for Baptist missions, rapidly 
awakening enthusiasm and securing contributions for mission 
work both in frontier America and in the Orient and for 
education, could not be forgotten and was not speedily for- 
given. The charge of “ mercenary motives” and of “ thriv- 
ing,’ made by Enoch Pond and repeated by the editor of the 
“Quarterly Theological Review,’ and echoed by many 
weaker spirits, persisted through all his years of heroic, self- 
denying service.’ 7 

Meantime other influences were at work to create division 
in the constituency of the General Convention. Interest 
aroused by the trumpet-calls of Rice for an educated ministry 
for meeting the needs both of America and of the Orient, had 
begun to crystallize in the form of local education societies 
demanding local educational institutions. This resulted in 
diminished contributions for Columbian College from sections 
in which local education societies were securing funds for local 
educational work. Meantime, students were coming more 
rapidly than funds to Columbian College, and the problem of 
providing ways and means for those who were applying for 
admission became desperate. 

Baptists who from the beginning had been more interested 
in Oriental missions than in education, began to fear that sup- 
port for work in the Orient would be lessened by contributions 
for education in America. In 1825 a strong committee was 
at work among churches and individuals, especially in New 
England, to turn the tide of interest to the purposes for which 
the General Convention had been organized in 1814. 

On the other hand, a part of the constituency believed that 
Christian education in America was failing to receive the 
degree of support required to meet existing needs. 


[ 276 ] 


FOUNDERS 


In an article signed “ Vermont,” in the “ Christian Watch- 
man” of June 25, 1825, we read, 


Those institutions which now exist in a very imbecile state, at Waterville, 
Hamilton, and at Washington, should be merged in an institution having 
only one object in view, where donations and funds could not be diverted 
to any other then the defined purpose for which they were bestowed by 
the influence of other interests, opposing and conflicting with the purposes 
of theological instruction. 


In the constituency of the Baptist General Convention that 
“indefatigable activity’ of their Agent which had been so 
highly commended by the Board, aroused feelings of a differ- 
ent order in some of the members. 

Prof. E. B. Pollard, D. D., of Crozer Theological Seminary, 
in his able articles on “ Luther Rice and His Place in American 
Baptist History,’ beginning in the July number of “ The 
Review and Expositor” for 1913, mentions Dr. Henry Hol- 
combe—who had been engaged in educational work in Georgia 
and who was the immediate successor of Doctor Staughton in 
the pastorate of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia from 
1811, when Doctor Staughton became pastor of the Sansom 
Street Church in the same city, to 1824—as “a bitter antago- 
nist of Doctor Staughton ” and a severe critic of Luther Rice, 
impugning the motives of the latter in becoming a Baptist, 
and insisting that his salary, eight dollars a week, was “ too 
large.” 

At the meeting of the General Convention of the Baptist 
Denomination in the United States, held in New York in April, 
1826, the Convention voted to 


request the Trustees of the Columbian College, who were originally 
nominated by the Convention, to vest the right of nomination in some other 
corporation. 


In the same Triennial meeting, 


The constitution of the Convention was so amended as to restrict its 
operations wholly to missionary exertions. 


[ 277 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








It was voted also, “ to remove the seat of the foreign missions 
from Washington to Boston.” ‘The name of Luther Rice was 
omitted from the list of officers of the Convention. 

In the “ Memoirs of Luther Rice,’ by Dr. James B. Taylor, 
page 220, we find in a letter from Baron Stow to Luther Rice, 
written February 27, 1835, the following sentences: 


I deeply felt at the time, and have so felt ever since, that in the un- 
. pleasant differences which occurred between us, I had unnecessarily in- 
jured you, and I then felt and still feel that I ought to acknowledge the 
wrong and solicit your forgiveness. . . I feel under obligation to you for 
many acts of kindness. I should be glad to have-it in my power to recip- 
rocate them. 


In May, 1835, Adoniram Judson wrote from Maulmein to 
Luther Rice in America: ) 


I confidently expect that a reaction will take place; and that when tem- 
porary and local excitement shall pass away, your name will be enrolled 
among the benefactors of our country, and of that denomination into 
which we were ingrafted together. The praise of man, however, is not the 
boon for which we strive. Our mark is higher, our crown incorruptible. 
And let us have faith to believe that we shall assuredly obtain. 


In his reply to Judson Luther Rice wrote, 


I hope that my powers will not quite decay till I have the happiness of 
seeing the prosperity of Columbian College—till from that institution some 
laborers shall have gone forth into some part of the heathen world to 
preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. 


Rev. Jonathan Going, D. D., President of Granville Col- 
lege, 1837-1844, said of Luther Rice: 


For twelve years he labored incessantly and laboriously for the small 

pittance of $400 per annum. To meet the wants of the college he eventu- 
ally relinquished all his small savings together with some $2,000 or $3,000 
which he inherited as a patrimony; so that in 1826 he was without a cent 
in the world. 


From 1826 to 1836 he continued, though without salary, to 
work for Columbian College and for missions. 


[ 278 ] 


FOUNDERS 


In 1864 at the Missionary Jubilee held in Philadelphia to 
commemorate the establishment of the American Baptist Mis- 
sionary Union, Dr. Alexis Caswell, D. D., LL. D., President 
of Brown University, who had been connected with Columbian 
College first as tutor, then as professor, during five years, and 
who, later, during thirty-five years, was Professor of Mathe- 
matics and Natural Philosophy in Brown University, made 
this statement: 

I knew Luther Rice, and owe it to him to speak a word for him. I was 
with him every day when at Washington. I was his successor as treasurer 
of the College. It was my duty to go over the books and examine all the 
receipts and disbursements. He has been aspersed. He has been accused 
of peculation. But he was never guilty of peculation. It is a grateful 
task to me to do such justice to my excellent friend. In powers of mind 
he was wholly unsurpassed. He was a marked man everywhere. He was 
beyond the charge of dishonesty. He never appropriated a dollar to his 
own use. He wanted simple food and raiment, and gave all the rest to 
open channels for a preached gospel. He preached like an angel. He had 
great weaknesses. One was excessive hopefulness; he had a poor horse 
and a poor gig, with which he performed his benevolent journeys. When 
he died, he said, “ This horse and gig belong to Columbian College and 
must be sent to it!” And they were sent. As a person of devoted, re- 
ligious character, no man went before him. 


In the fifty-nine years which have passed since Doctor Cas- 
well publicly and emphatically pronounced vindication of the 
character of Luther Rice, testimony to the value of his life 
and work has steadily accumulated. 

Today no intelligent person would venture to contradict 
Doctor Pollard’s estimate of Luther Rice’s contribution to 
American Baptists in leading them “ (1) To think in terms 
world-wide; (2) To think nationally; (3) To think in terms 
of leadership.”’ 

Columbian College, notwithstanding its rejection by the Bap- 
tist General Convention in 1826, had a continuous succession 
of Baptist presidents until 1910. Two presidents elected since 
that time are Episcopalians, and one, William Mather Lewis, 
A. M., elected in 1923, is a Presbyterian. 


[ 279 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


The tract of forty-six and one-half acres of land on College 
Hill, bought and paid for through the efforts of Luther Rice, 
and on which he erected the first college building, was sold 
(the last of it in 1873) for more than $200,000. 

In 1844 the College was moved down-town from College 
Hill. The name which had been changed to Columbian Uni- 
versity, was changed again in 1904 to George Washington 
University. 

The Department of Arts and Sciences of the University in- 
cludes today ‘ Columbian College,” ‘‘ Teachers College,” the 
“ College of Engineering,” and the “ Graduate School.” Who 
will erect Luther Rice Hall for Columbian College? 

At the Centennial Convocation of George Washington Uni- 
versity on February 22, 1921, William Bruce King, A. M., 
LL. M., a member of the Board of Trustees, in his convoca- 
tion address reported the enrolment of students in the Uni- 
versity for that year, 1921, as “‘ approximately 5,000.” In the 
same address he said of Luther Rice, “ We salute him today 
as our Founder.”’ 


2. William Staughton 


Dr. William Staughton, who had been elected as the first 
Corresponding Secretary of the “ General Convention of the 
Baptist Denomination in the United States for Foreign Mis- 
sions,” was in thoroughgoing intelligent sympathy with Mr. 
Rice in his attitude toward educational work in relation to 
missionary efficiency. 

This was not Doctor Staughton’s first experience in connec- 
tion with a pioneer missionary enterprise. 

In 1792, the year of his graduation from Bristol College, . 
he participated in the formation of that first missionary society 
in England resulting from William Carey’s historic sermon 
with its ringing double challenge: “ Expect great things from 
God! Attempt great things for God!” 

After that sermon a resolution was adopted; 


[ 280 ] 





PAGE FROM JOURNAL OF LUTHER RICE 
Showing Receipts and Expenditures on a Trip from Washington to Philadelphia in 1820 





i ‘ ° eye J al ¥; 


\ > ay vou’ = 
Maes 595 fe ae 
. AN OPA ey 


TWh ie 
DEG eS neh 
oe ve, v 





MF es NG Y 4 Ae 
‘Pa! 
Piaf eli 
% Ray SO 
; ee Tone. 


4a 


YHOU MORN Bae earnest 
bo wae wareynibreyqad hiid abpiaap Hh qalwnd’ ; or sets 
: Y 4 4 ~ q Ziabeat 


FOUNDERS 


That a plan be prepared against the next ministers’ meeting at Kettering 
for forming a society among the Baptists, for propagating the gospel 
among the heathen. October 2, 1792, after the public services of the day 
were ended, the ministers retired to consult further on the matter and to 
lay a foundation at least for a society. 


In this after-meeting seven resolutions were drawn up and 
unanimously adopted, outlining a basis for such a society. 
The twelve names appended to these seven resolutions included 
John Ryland, Andrew Fuller, and William Staughton. 

These twelve men endorsed the movement not only by sub- 
scribing their names to the resolutions, but by contributing 
sums of money aggregating £13, 2s., 6d., as a fund for begin- 
ning the work. 

In the following year William Staughton came to America. 
At the time of the organization of the Baptist General Con- 
vention he was pastor of the Sansom Street Church, Phila- 
delphia. 

His missionary enthusiasm, awakened in England by 
Willliam Carey, was deepened and quickened by his associa- 
tion with Luther Rice whose zeal had been intensified by per- 
sonal contact with conditions among unchristianized people in 
the Orient. 

Rice and Staughton were a wonderful team—the General 
Agent and the first Corresponding Secretary of the Baptist 
General Convention, who were to become the first Treasurer 
and the first Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bap- 
tist General Tract Society. 

At the meeting of the General Convention of the Baptist 
Denomination in April, 1818, it was voted unanimously that 
“the Rev. Dr. Staughton be appointed Principal’”’ in the 
Classical and Theological Seminary established in Philadelphia 
in that year. Doctor Staughton, in addition to his services 
as minister of the Sansom Street Church and as Corresponding 
Secretary of the Baptist Convention, was doing educational 
work in Philadelphia even before his election as Principal of 


[ 281 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


the Seminary. He was eloquent as a preacher, and efficient 
aS a missionary executive, but his highest qualities seem to 
have been enlisted in the work of teaching. 

Dr. Rufus Babcock characterizes him as 
the distinguished Doctor Staughton—than whom no man ever had more 


capability for bringing out and strengthening and polishing whatever there 
was in his pupils susceptible of improvement. 


The number of men who went out from his instruction to 
fill places of devoted and exacting service seems to justify this 
estimate of Doctor Staughton as a teacher. 

He was described by one of his pupils, the Hon. Josiah 
Randall, of Philadelphia, as being 


not tall but broad and commanding. He was athletic and fitted to com- 
mand attention. His voice was loud and sweet. The élite of the Philade!l- 
phia bar crowded every Sabbath to hear him. In eloquence he had no 
equal. 


‘ 


Mr. Randall names himself as ‘“‘ one of the 150 pupils of 
Doctor Staughton.” He says, “ Luther Rice persuaded Doc- 
tor Staughton to leave Philadelphia and go to the Presidency 
of Columbian College in Washington,’ and adds this Edenic 
touch, “ He (Dr. S.) was influenced by his wife, a Goliath 
in intellect.” 

In the formation of the Baptist General Tract Society in 
February, 1824, Doctor Staughton, then President of Colum- 
bian College, presided at the meeting for organization and 
was elected President of the Board of Directors, with Luther 
Rice as Treasurer. 


3. Irah Chase 


Dr. Irah Chase, who was elected in 1818 by the General 
Convention of the Baptist Denomination to the professorship 
of Languages and Biblical Literature in the Theological Semi- 
nary in Philadelphia, was a native of Stratton, Vermont, and 
a graduate of Middlebury College and of Andover Theologi- 


[ 282 ] 


FOUNDERS 


cal Seminary, “‘ there being no theological seminary among the 
Baptists at that time.” (1814. ) 

After being ordained he spent some time as an evangelist 
in Western Virginia. His vivid descriptions of conditions 
met in connection with missionary work in that period are 
found in the ‘“‘ American Baptist Magazine” for 1818. 

Coming from that work to his professorship in the new 
Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, he brought with 
him a fresh realization of the need of a general diffusion of 
religious intelligence among the people. Books were few and 
expensive. Public libraries were almost non-existent. News- 
papers had limited circulation. Churches were circumscribed 
in service and in influence not only by the lack of an educated 
ministry but, no less, by lack of intelligent acquaintance with 
religious principles on the part of members. Under such cir- 
cumstances the value of tracts in promoting religious intelli- 
gence was beyond the power of easy comprehension by us who 
today are oppressed by the flood of literature with which we 
are almost overwhelmed. 

One hundred years ago when ideas and ideals waited for 
means of communication, tracts could go where books could 
not be sent and where periodicals were unknown. In many 
communities tracts preceded churches, Sunday schools, even 
public schools. 

Before the Theological Seminary was moved to Washing- 
ton to become the Theological Department of Columbian Col- 
lege, the posibility of establishing a Baptist Tract Society in 
Philadelphia had been a subject of lively discussion by Luther 
Rice, Doctor Staughton, Professor Chase, and the group of 
young students in the Seminary who later, after the removal 
to Washington, became active in the organization and conduct 
of the Society. 

Doctor Chase’s immediate connection with the Society was 
for a brief period only; in 1825 he was called from Washing- 
ton to a professorship at Newton Centre. His great contribu- 


[ 283 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








tion to the denomination was through the schools he served— 
the Seminary in Philadelphia, Columbian College in Washing- 
ton, and lastly, and especially, Newton Theological Institution. 
It was his lot to be a founder wherever he went, and he was 
fulfilling a characteristic function when associated with Rice 
and Staughton in the beginnings of the General Tract Society. 


4. John S. Meehan 


Mr; John S. Meehan, in a letter to Rev. By Ryloxtleyar 
Philadelphia, under date of September 27, 1855, writes: 

When I resided in Philadelphia I had charge of a class in the Sansom 
Street Sunday School and almost every month had a difficulty in dealing 
out tracts to the children on account of their anti-Baptist tendencies. 
[This was prior to 1820.] No Baptist tracts were then printed. I was 
the printer of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions at the time and 
determined to propose the establishment of a Baptist Tract Society in 
Philadelphia with the intention of making it the commencement of a 
General Society. In compliance with this design, I had’two tracts set 
in type, as the first publications to be submitted to the society when 
formed. . . The subject was not matured in Philadelphia, owing to the 
determination of the Baptist Convention (in April, 1820) to found a 
college and Theological Seminary in Washington and to remove the publi- 
cations of the Board of Missions and the Board itself to Washington. 


This creative pioneer, John S. Meehan, persisted in his pro- 
phetic attitude toward the work until he had the satisfaction 
of seeing some of the first tracts printed in 1824 in Washing- 
ton under his direction, in the office of the ‘‘ Columbian Star.” 

Later, Mr. Meehan was appointed Librarian of Congress 
by President Jackson and served in this capacity during thirty- 
one years. 


5. Obadiah B. Brown 


Rev. Obadiah B. Brown, D. D., Pastor of the First Baptist 
Church in Washington, who had shared with Luther Rice 
responsibility for the location of the College, was elected the 
first President of the Society. Doctor Brown at one time was 
head clerk in the Post Office Department. He was pastor of 


[ 284 ¥ 


FOUNDERS 


the First Baptist Church during more than forty years. In 
this period he repeatedly was appointed chaplain to Congress. 


6. George Wood 


In Mr. Wood’s house in Washington the meeting for or- 
ganization of the Baptist General Tract Society was held. He 
was elected the first Agent—a choice that had already been 
agreed upon before the meeting, with his rather reluctant con- 
sent, for “it was seen that the agent of the society must bear 
the burden of it”’ and his “ health was very wretched at the 
time.’ But of all the circle of men deeply interested in the 
establishment of the Society there was no one but himself that 
was not already overburdened, and as he said, “‘ It seemed too 
ereat a matter to be delayed for want of any aid I could 
tender.’ Mr. Wood, who, by reason of his official position, 
had most intimate knowledge of the Society’s situation and 
needs, soon perceived the necessity of transferring the head- 
quarters, and made earnest endeavors to bring the other direc- 
tors to agree to this removal. At last, in 1826, he resigned, 
hoping to compel the change which he knew to be wise. Other 
happenings, concurrent with his resignation, presently helped 
to bring to pass the end he had been seeking. Mr. Wood’s 
story of the beginning of the Society is given in a letter written 
by him in March, 1853, and reproduced in full in the first 
chapter of this work. 


7. James D. Knowles 


In studying the characteristics of those whose names were 
made prominent in connection with the early years of the 
Baptist General Tract Society, that which first attracts atten- 
tion is the fact that they were young men. Some who spent 
only short periods of time with the Tract Society, proved by 
their later service in other connections the wisdom of those 
who had elected them to official connection with this young 
organization. 


[ 285 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


James D. Knowles, who drafted the constitution which was 
offered, amended, and adopted at the meeting held for the 
purpose of forming the Society, was twenty-six years of age 
at that time. He had been a student in Philadelphia under 
the instruction of Doctor Staughton and Professor Chase, and 
resumed his studies under their direction in Columbian College 
on their removal to Washington. While there he edited the 
“ Columbian Star’ founded by Luther Rice. 

After his graduation he became pastor of the Second Bap- 
tist Church in Boston, and later was a member of the faculty 
of Newton Theological Institution until his death in 1883. 
He was editor of the “Christian Review” and author of 
Memoirs of Mrs. Judson and of Roger Williams. 


8. Samuel Cornelius 

That Reverend Samuel Cornelius, whose habit of carrying 
tracts in his high hat and of dropping them occasionally at 
inopportune times led to serious consideration of the need 
of a more stable depository, had reached the venerable age 
of thirty years when the meeting was called in Washington 
for the purpose of securing such a depository, along with 
providing for the production of more tracts. Early in life 
he had been converted and led into the ministry under the 
influence of Doctor Staughton. In the year of the organiza- 
tion of the Tract Society he succeeded Dr. Spencer H. Cone 
as. pastor in Alexandria. In 1825 he was elected Vice- 
president of the Tract Society. Later he was pastor in Mount 
Holly, New Jersey. He died in 1870 in Ann Arbor, Michi- 
gan, where he had rendered pastoral service. 


9. Baron Stow 
Baron Stow, a junior in Columbian College, succeeded Mr. 
Meehan in charge of the Depository of the Tract Society in 
the office of the “ Columbian Star.” At twenty-five years of 
age he was elected a member of the Board of Managers and 


[ 286 ] 


FOUNDERS 


later was made vice-president of the Society. His work in 
the ministry justified the brilliant intellectual promise of his 
youth. After a pastorate of five years in Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire, he went to Boston in 1832, becoming pastor of 
the Baldwin Place Church, where for sixteen years he was 
recognized as one of the able and successful ministers in the 
city. His later pastorate in the Rowe Street Church and his 
published writings gave evidence of unusual mental vigor and 
personal devotion to noble aims. 


10. Noah Davis 


Noah Davis, who sometimes has been called the founder of 
the Baptist General Tract Society, was one of the group of 
young students under the instruction of Doctor Staughton and 
Professor Chase who had earnestly advocated the formation 
of such a society. 

He left Columbian College without graduating and was 
ordained in December, 1823, at Salisbury, Maryland, when he 
was twenty-three years of age. In the following February 
he wrote of his need of tracts to James D. Knowles, a senior 
in Columbian College and Editor of the ‘“ Columbian Star.” 

At the third annual meeting of the Society, which was held 
in Philadelphia, January 27, 1827, he was elected General 
Agent and gave himself eagerly to the work. George Wood, 
his friend and predecessor in office, characterized him as “a 
Mr. Greatheart in his day.”’ Volumes might be written in re- 
cording expressions of his indomitable spirit, his devotion to 
service, his influence extending beyond the reach of voice or 
pen. It has been said of him that, at his passing into the 
other life in 1830, at the age of twenty-eight years, 


he left the Society, and the denomination, all light, all on fire, by the 
potent contact of his own spirit. 


In the annual Report prepared and read by a member of 
the Board of Managers, Rev. R. W. Cushman, at the next 


[ 287 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


annual meeting, profound appreciation was expressed of the 
great loss which had been suffered by the Board, a loss “‘ which 
the Society too has felt through all its nerves of sensibility 
and strength.” The Report continues: 


Possessing a mind usually bold and practical; early formed habits of 
activity; a faith that unhesitatingly associated the especial guidance of 
Heaven with every event which concerned the welfare of Zion; a person 
and mien which challenged the attention and respect of strangers; while 
the openness and warmth of his heart was eminently calculated to convert 
acquaintances into friends, he seemed peculiarly fitted, by the “ Shepherd 
and Bishop of Souls,’ for the sphere which he filled. He was equally 
competent to be the Agent of the Society, and its Apostle: to superintend 
the numerous details of its business at home, and to go forth through the 
breadth of our land, among our churches, and arouse indifference to atten- 
tion; and approval, to cooperation. 


At the semi-centennial celebration, held in Washington in 
1874, Noah K. Davis, LL. D., then Professor of Moral Science 
in the University of Virginia, gave a notable address on 
the origin and growth of the Society in whose establishing 
his father, Noah Davis, had borne so worthy a part. 


[ 288 ] 


I] 
BUIEDERS 


The majority of those who were most active in the organi- 
zation of the Baptist General Tract Society in Washington 
in 1824 had gone to that city in connection with the removal 
of the Theological Seminary from Philadelphia and its merg- 
ing in Columbian College. 

The transfer of the Society’s headquarters to Philadelphia 
in 1826 at the end of the second year of its existence, was a 
return to the city in which it had been germinated. 

The personality of Noah Davis, the first Agent in the new 
location, his youth and his contagious enthusiasm, awakened 
fresh interest for a time. 

After his passing it became clear that the organization must 
be built more strongly into the life of the denomination and 
of the time in order to abide. 


11. Ira M. Allen 


Ira M. Allen, who became General Agent of the Tract 
Society in 1831, six months after the death of Mr. Davis, 
found a depleted treasury, an increasing debt, and a despon- 
dent Board of Directors. 

In the annual meeting of 1832, after reporting conditions 
as he found them at the base of supplies, he called attention 
explicitly to the needs of the West, designating those regions 
in which John Mason Peck was active at the time. Not limit- 
ing its field of operations to this country, but looking abroad, 
he reported, 


The most important fields of usefulness now open before the Baptist 
General Tract Society are the Great Valley of the Mississippi, the colony 
of free persons of color in Africa, and the Burman Empire. 


[ 289 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








In response to these appeals as presented by Mr. Allen, the 
Board voted an endeavor to secure $20,000 in the coming year 
for enlargement of the work. 

In 1834 Mr. Allen reported receipts of $6,000 instead of 
the hoped-for $20,000, but steady progress in the work which 
had made itself felt not only in the West, in the South, and in 
Burma, but also through Rev. J. G. Oncken, of Hamburg, in 
Germany! In 1839, after earnest, arduous service as General 
Agent during eight years, Mr. Allen resigned and accepted the 
office of Agent for the American and Foreign Bible Society, 
continuing in this service eight years. | 


12. Benjamin R. Loxley 


Benjamin R. Loxley, “‘ the patient man of business,’ who 
had been appointed Assistant Agent in the previous year, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Allen and rendered valuable service during the 
time of early negotiations with the New England Sabbath 
School Union concerning an amalgamation of the two organi- 
zations with each other, and the reorganization of the Tract 
Society in 1840. Mr. Loxley was Depository Agent of the 
Society from 1844 to 1856 and Vice-president from 1857 to 
1860. | 

13. Morgan J. Rhees 


Rev. Morgan J. Rhees became Corresponding Secretary of 
the reorganized General Tract Society under the name of The 
American Baptist Publication and Sunday School Society, 
and began his work in this connection November 17, 1840. 

It is interesting to note the earlier experience of the new 
Corresponding Secretary in connection with the Sunday 
school. ‘The first Sunday school in Philadelphia was opened 
in 1791, “ for females exclusively.” Later, in 1815, a Sun- 
day school “ for boys and girls of the poor, ignorant, and 
degraded classes’’ was established by three women of the 
First Baptist Church. One of the founders, believing that the 


[ 290 ] 


BUILDERS 





presence of children of their own families would encourage 
the attendance of those whom they wished to benefit, took 
with her to the school her own son, Morgan J. Rhees, Jr., the 
first boy enrolled in a Baptist Sunday school in Philadelphia. 
Grown to manhood, he became first a lawyer, then a minister, 
and for two years a Secretary of The American Baptist Pub- 
lication and Sunday School Society. It was said of him that 


He had a fine intellect, the polish of a gentleman, the courage of a brave 
man, the piety of a saint, and the tenderness of a woman. 


He resigned the office of Corresponding Secretary to accept 
the pastorate of the Second Baptist Church of Wilmington, 
Delaware, in 1843. 

His last annual report as Corresponding Secretary of the 
Board of The American Baptist Publication and Sunday 
School Society, dated April, 1843, strongly emphasized the 
failure of financial support for the work. The receipts for 
the previous year from all sources had been $9,906.04; while 
the appropriations were $0,869.27, leaving a balance of only 
$36.77 on which to begin the work of the following year. 
Reviewing the opportunities for service pressing upon the 
Society and the inadequate response to appeals for funds, Mr. 
Rhees, in resigning the office of Corresponding Secretary, 
urged the employment of a traveling financial secretary to 
secure adequate funds for the prosecution of the work. 


On motion of J. S. Bacon of Charleston, Massachusetts, the Board was 
authorized and instructed to so arrange the editorial labors, as they might 
deem expedient, to enable the Corresponding Secretary to devote a por- 
tion of his time to traveling as General Agent. 

A final resolution bore testimony to the fidelity and zeal of the late 
Corresponding Secretary, Rev. Morgan J. Rhees, together with his uni- 
formly kind and Christian spirit. 


14. John Mason Peck 


Rev. John Mason Peck, the intrepid pioneer missionary of 
the West, of whom it has been said that he ‘“‘ was himself a 


[ 291 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








whole missionary union,’ was elected Corresponding Secretary 
to succeed Mr. Rhees. 

A native of Connecticut, born October 31, 1789, he spent 
his boyhood on his father’s farm in the parish of Litchfield, 
South Farms. At the age of eighteen he began to teach, 
although himself “sadly deficient’? in “orthography and 
chirography,’ and making no pretensions “to correct gram- 
matical usages.” His conversion in December, 1807, awak- 
ened in him a strong ambition for service. At first he was a 
member of a Congregational church, but two years after his 
marriage in 1809, on his removal with his wife and child to 
Windham, Greene County, New York, he and his wife united 
with the New Durham Baptist Church, five miles from their 
home. A month later he was licensed to preach, in October, 
1811, and in 1813 was ordained to the ministry. He devoted 
himself earnestly to study, to teaching and preaching; in 1814 
he was reading the Greek Testament under the instruction of 
Daniel H. Barnes, Principal of Dutchess Academy in Pough- 
keepsie. 

In June, 1815, he met Luther Rice, heard his address at the 
Warwick Association, and entertained him in his home. As 
a result of their conference, Peck was engaged to do field 
missionary work in Central New York under the direction of 
Rice. While in this work he began to look forward to mis- 
sionary efforts in the ‘“ Missouri Territory,’ and upon the 
advice of Luther Rice went to Philadelphia to take a course 
of study under Doctor Staughton, beginning his studies early 
in May, 1816, and boarding with his fellow students in the 
family of his teacher. 

In May, 1817, in the triennial meeting of the General Mis- 
sionary Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the United 
States, 

Messrs. Peck and Welch, who had been for some time under the care 


of the Rev. Doctor Staughton, tendered their services to the Board, and 
were accepted. 


[ 292 ] 


BUILDERS 


They were 


instructed to proceed as soon as convenient, to the westward, with a 
view to commence their labors at St. Louis, or its vicinity, in the Missouri 
Territory. 


Following these instructions, Peck, with his wife and three 
little children in a small, one-horse wagon, left his father’s 
home in Litchfield, Conn., on Friday, July 25, 1817, beginning 
the long journey of more than twelve hundred miles to St. 
Louis, where they arrived on December first. The full story 
of conditions in that city and of the way the missionary met 
them belongs more properly elsewhere. It is important here 
to note, not simply the undaunted spirit and indefatigable 
energy of Mr. Peck, but the wisdom of his many-sided en- 
deavors and the fruitfulness of his ability as an organizer. 
He and his colaborer, Welch, were teachers as well as preach- 
ers, maintaining a day-school and giving courses of popular 
lectures. Obtaining subscriptions, they built a church, and 
opened a Sunday school—believed to be the first Sunday 
school established west of the Mississippi River. In October, 
1818, Mr. Peck organized in the Illinois and Missouri Asso- 
ciation “ ‘The United Society for the Spread of the Gospel,” 
to aid the “ Western Mission” in spreading the gospel and promoting 


common schools in the western parts of America, both amongst the whites 
and the Indians— 


“the first society,’ as Peck records, “ever organized west of 
the Mississippi for philanthropic and missionary purposes.” 

The anti-mission party among Western Baptists was so 
ageressively active at the time, and so successful, that in 1820 
the General Convention of the Baptist Denomination in the 
United States, 


having listened with concern to some anti-mission complaints from the 
West, proceeded to direct the Board to discontinue the missions at St. Louis. 


News of the decision reached Mr. Peck when he was criti- 
cally ill. Sickness and death in his family exhausted his 


[ 293 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








funds. None the less he wrote the Board he would not aban- 
don the field—a decision which did not shake their own. 
However, the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society com- 
missioned him to continue, appropriating 


five dollars a week for the time actually spent in their services, and 
notifying him that he would be expected to raise as much as practicable 
of this amount on the field of his labors, and to make regular returns of 
his labors and receipts. 


He now established himself on a half-section of unimproved 
land at Rock Springs, Ill., which henceforth became his family 
residence. With energy unabated he continued in the ways 
he had already proved wise. Everywhere he was distributing 
Bibles and Testaments, with missionary pamphlets and tracts, 
organizing Bible societies and Sunday schools, and whenever 
practicable, introducing the New Testament as a class book 
in public schools. In April, 1824, he recorded in his journal: 


It is my intention to found a number of county societies and then con- 
centrate their efforts in a general union of Sabbath schools. These with 
the Bible instructions may be employed to exert a most powerful influence 
through this Western country, and will silently undermine the prejudices 
against missions more than anything else. 


Always deeply interested in Christian education, he planned 
the establishment of a school in Illinois for the education of 
teachers and ministers, and in 1826 was commissioned by the 
Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society to secure the neces- 
sary funds. This school, the Rock Springs Seminary, was 
later moved to Upper Alton and consolidated with Shurtleff 
College. 

His greatest contribution to Baptist organization in America 
was shared with Jonathan Going, with whom he was associated 
in a missionary tour of three months in the summer of 1831. 
As the outcome of their long-continued conference came the 
plan of The American Baptist Home Mission Society. 

It is no matter of surprise, then, that the Baptist General 


[ 294 | 


BUILDERS 


Tract Society, through its General Agent, I. M. Allen, re- 
quested this far-seeing, vigorous worker to become its superin- 
tending agent for the valley of the Mississippi. While Mr. 
Peck did not feel he could render that service, the Society had 
occasion, in 1839, to make grateful acknowledgment of 

the valuable services of Brother John Mason Peck, by whom many 


Manuals and thousands of pages of tracts have been distributed in Illinois, 
Missouri, Wisconsin, and the Iowa Territory. 


In June, 1841, he was instrumental in organizing the West- 
ern Baptist Publication and Sunday School Society, “in strict 
cooperation with that in Philadelphia,’ and in September can- 
celed all other engagements to give himself wholly to the work 
of this new organization, with headquarters at Louisville. 

In 1842, while attending the Baptist Anniversaries in New 
York, he gave an address at the meeting of the Publication 
Society. Later he met the Board in Philadelphia and 


by their request gave them, at full length, his impressions of what ought 
to be done by them, and how to do it. 


Doubtless this increased the high esteem in which he was 
already held. For in the annual meeting of 1843, in which 
Mr. Peck was introduced as the new Corresponding Secretary, 
the following was adopted : 

Resolved, That the project of providing our destitute ministers and mis- 
sionaries in the Western Valley with small libraries is an object of para- 


mount: importance in the operations of the Society, and deserves the cor- 
dial cooperation of the benevolent. 


Under date of July 10, 1843, the new Secretary issued a 
circular “calling attention to certain salient points of the 
Society’s operations, past, present, and future.” In this cir- 
cular he declares the “ paramount object of the Society ” to be 
to make all the members of our churches, and all other persons over 
whom our ministry has influence, a reading, thinking, working, and de- 


voutly religious people. This great end to be obtained in humble reliance 
on the blessing and Spirit of God, through the instrumentality of the press. 


[ 295 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








At the next annual meeting, 1844, Mr. Peck reported send- 
ing out 840 circulars, more than 500 letters (not typewritten), 
and various other activities including traveling 8,863 miles. 
Dr. J. Newton Brown, in his “ History of The American 
Baptist Publication Society,’ records: 

It appears that the operations of the Society had been increased about 
one-third; not so much by enlargement of funds as by effecting more 


rapid sales—turning the small and utterly inadequate capital to better 
advantage. 


In attendance at the last meeting of the Triennial Conven- 
tion, in Boston, November, 1845, when he was Secretary of 
The American Baptist Publication Society, it remained for 
him to become 
a member of the committee which framed the constitution of the Mis- 
sionary Union. He took active part in the debate of the question of its 
adoption. He was the chairman of the committee on missions in India. 
His personal pledge of one hundred dollars was the first to be made in 
the long list of subscriptions which resulted in the cancellation of the 


debt of $40,000 which had crippled the energies of the Foreign Mission 
Board.’ 


In 1853 he, with Heman Lincoln and H. G. Jones, Jr., drew 
up and presented a plan for the organization of a Historical 
Department of The American Baptist Publication Society. 
The plan was unanimously adopted. Later The American 
Baptist Historical Society was launched as a separate and per- 
manent organization. 

In September, 1845, Mr. Peck resigned the office of Corre- 
sponding Secretary, his resignation to become effective at the 
next annual meeting. He named as reasons for this action, 
“the encouraging prospects of the Society on the one hand, 
and his own age, distance, and absence from his family.” At 
the time of his resignation he was fifty-seven years of age. 
By one who knew him he was characterized as 

Robust in intellect, strong in purpose, positive in his opinions, and bold 
in their advocacy, a born missionary and a thorough-going Western man. 


1 Austin Kennedy de Blois, “‘ John Mason Peck.” 


[ 296 | 


BUILDERS 


On returning to his home after resigning the secretaryship 
of the Publication Society, he again devoted himself to mis- 
sionary, educational, and literary work in the West. 

Doctor Jeter characterized him as 
not only a pioneer, but a master-spirit among the pioneers. Perhaps no 


man of the class did more than he to guide the thoughts, mold the manners, 
and form the institutions of the West. 


15. Thomas S. Malcom 


Thomas S. Malcom was elected to succeed John Mason 
Peck as Corresponding Secretary of the Publication Society. 
In his six years of service, beginning in 1846, he seems to 
have succeeded in inspiring interest in the work among an in- 
creasing number of people. It is recorded that eight hundred 
persons shared in “ making up ” a fund of $10,000, the income 
from which was to be used “ perpetually, for the gratuitous 
distribution of books and tracts.” It is interesting to note 
that members of the Board contributed $2,325 of the $10,000 
fund. 


Members of the Finance Committee, in those days, devoted one hour 
every week to the Society, meeting at seven o'clock in the morning, before 
attending to their own business. 


The annual reports of the Society show steadily growing 
enthusiasm in regard to all its lines of work. Deficits were 
met. Old debts were paid. Funds were secured for new 
work. Publications were increased. Additional colporters 
were engaged. Gratitude instead of complaint characterized 
the communications sent to the constituency. Of the person- 
ality of the man under whose guidance these changes were 
wrought, we have been able to learn very little. In the report 
of the Board of Managers for 1853, presented by Rev. Heman 
Lincoln, we read, “the year, just ended, has been marked by 
peculiar trials.” After naming the loss of Dr. G. B. Ide, Mr. 
G. Kempton, and Mr. A. D. Gillette through their removal to 
“other fields of labor” the report continues: 


[ 297 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








The Corresponding Secretary, Rev. T. S. Malcom, whose zealous and 
efficient watch-care has nurtured the Society from youth to manhood, 
whose enthusiasm, tempered by prudence, has commended it to the favor 
of the churches, and lifted it from a state of weakness and depression to 
a condition of eminent prosperity and usefulness, has suffered during the 
year from impaired health, and announced to the Board, several months. 
ago, his purpose of retiring at the present anniversary from the post he 
has so long and so ably filled. Rev. Kendall Brooks, elected by the Board 
shortly after the last Anniversary, to lighten the labors of Brother Malcom, 
and fill the place of Associate Corresponding Secretary, entered upon his 
duties in September last, but after four months of service, in which the 
Board learned to esteem him as a brother beloved, and peculiarly fitted 
for the duties assigned him, he was induced to accept a professorship in 
Waterville College to which he had been unanimously elected. Rev. Heman 
Lincoln, at the solicitation of the Board, consented to fill the vacancy occa- 
sioned by the resignation of Bro. K. Brooks till the annual meeting of the 
Society, and he has accordingly discharged its duties to the present time. 
These successive and rapid changes in the Board and the executive offices 
of the Society, have occasioned much perplexity, and have interfered 
seriously with the efficient prosecution of the great interests of the Society. 
But the Board would gratefully acknowledge that, in the midst of numer- 
ous hindrances, God has been their helper, and has enabled them to attain 
greater prosperity than in any former year. 


‘ 


Doctor Eddy characterized Mr. Malcom as 
industrious, fertile in expedients, ever working. 

Knowing him only by the results of his work, we, in accor- 
dance with the resolution adopted by unanimous vote of the 
Society at the annual meeting in 1853, 


‘indefatigable, 


3) 


desire to express our high appreciation of eminent services performed 
by him in contributing to raise it to its present position of importance and 
usefulness. His name will ever be identified with the history of the 
Society, as one of its truest benefactors and greatest blessings. 


16. Kendall Brooks 


Rev. Kendall Brooks, D. D., who resigned the office of 
Associate Corresponding Secretary of the Publication Society 
in September, 1852, at the end of four months of service to 
become Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in 
Waterville College, Maine, later, after an interval of twelve 
years in which he was pastor of the First Baptist Church of 


[298 J 


BUILDERS 








Fitchburg, Massachusetts, again entered the service of the 
Publication Society as Editor of the National Baptist. He 
became President of Kalamazoo College, Michigan, in 1868 
and there rendered the crowning service of his life as an 
educator of young men and women to whom he personified 
their highest ideals of scholarly Christian manhood. 


17. Heman Lincoln 


Rev. Heman Lincoln, D. D., in the few months of his ser- 
vice as Associate Secretary, so manifested his ability to bring 
things to pass that he was strongly urged to accept the office 
of Secretary of the Publication Society in 1853, but the Bap- 
tist church in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, whose pastorate 
he had accepted, refused to release him for that service. After 
six years in this pastorate and eight years as pastor of the 
Central Baptist Church in Providence, Rhode Island, he nobly 
completed his life service as a professor in Newton Theologi- 
cal Institution, admired and loved by all who knew him. 


18. William Shadrach 


Dr. William Shadrach, elected Corresponding Secretary in 
June, 1853, began his work for the Publication Society in Sep- 
tember of that year. He came from Wales to America in 
1819 at fifteen years of age. Having been baptized in 1825, 
and ordained in 1828, he served as pastor of several churches 
in Pennsylvania during brief periods. For three years he was 
Agent of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention. He de- 
voted untiring energy during six years, 1847 to 1853, to secur- 
ing funds for the university at Lewisburg. From 1853 to 
1856 he was Corresponding Secretary of The American Bap- 
tist Publication Society. He was Special Financial Agent of 
the Publication Society from 1857 to 1861; Special Financial 
Agent for Lewisburg University, 1862 to 1863. He did pas- 
toral work with various churches from 1863 to 1890, then— 


HOME. 
E2993} 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








This honorable record of what he did will seem inadequate 
and unsatisfactory to all who knew him. What he was so 
far surpassed all his doing, that words fail to express the most 
salient characteristics of the man. 

Doctor Shadrach possessed a vivacity of spirit, a power 
of adaptability which readily lent itself to itinerant life, to 
public speech, to personal influence over others. His dislike 
of uniform programs, of conventional procedure, made office 
life uncongenial to him. In the Annual Report of the Board 
in 1857 we read: 

At your last anniversary, it was stated that your Corresponding Secre- 
tary, William Shadrach, D. D., had already tendered his resignation to the 
Board, and that he*declined a reelection. Unwilling, however, to lose his 
valuable services as the Board had been, he was reelected, but only to 
present again his resignation at the first meeting of the Board. He closed 
his labors as Corresponding Secretary with the month of June. The Board 
looked on this as an event greatly to be deprecated. He was familiar with 
the history, the work, and the necessities of the Society, and enjoyed, to 
an unusual degree, the confidence of the Board and of the churches in the 
field of our operations. While retiring from this office, we are happy to 
say, that his interest in the Society has not diminished. He has accepted 
and already entered upon the duties of another appointment from the 


Board, for the completion of a work that shared largely his attention as 
Secretary. 


This new “ appointment ” was to the office of Special Finan- 
cial Agent to secure the sum of $100,000 for enlargement of 
the Society’s capital. On October 30, 1857, Doctor Shadrach 
reported “ pledges written and unwritten ”’ for ‘‘ about $60,000 
toward the desired $100,000.” 

A certain combination of candor, directness, genial com- 
radeship, and tact, made him a welcome guest, a popular 
speaker, a valued friend, to young and old, on the frontier, in 
the city, wherever he came in contact with human life. 

Speaking of the reverent attention with which Lewisburg 
students habitually followed Doctor Shadrach in prayer, when 
he was with them, Doctor Loomis said, “‘ It was because we 
were convinced that he who was acting as our leader was 


[ 300 ] 


BUILDERS 


himself beloved of God.” That conviction was not limited to 
Bucknell students. It was shared by those who best knew 
Doctor Shadrach. 


19. John Newton Brown 


Rev. John Newton Brown, D. D., appointed in 1849 as 
Editor, “to supervise all the publications”’ of the Society, 
was the first of that line of able men whose editorial work 
has contributed to the standing among publishing houses 
which now is universally accorded to The American Baptist 
Publication Society. He was born in New London, Con- 
necticut, in 1803. 

He was baptized in Hudson, New York, in 1817, graduated 
in Hamilton in 1823, ordained in Buffalo in 1824. After 
pastorates in Buffalo, in Providence, in Malden, and in 
Exeter, he became Professor of Exegetical Theology in the 
New Hampton Literary and Theological Institution. -As edi- 
tor of the “Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge,” and 
author of various works he was widely known and honored. 
He has been characterized as “ one of the purest spirits earth 
ever knew.” 

His “singular simplicity of character’ was joined with a 
“rare persistency of purpose” and “power to work with 
cheerful diligence.” 

In connection with his regular duties he did a large amount 
of editorial work for the “ Christian Chronicle” and the 
“ National Baptist.” 

During the ten years of his connection with the Society in 
his official relation the efficiency of its publication work was 
ereatly advanced. 

His appreciation of literary values and his respect for the 
integrity of an author’s work are clearly manifested in his 
Introduction to “ Bunyan’s Experimental Works” published 
under his supervision in 1852. 


[ 301 J 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


In 1859 he retired from the editorial office on account of 
failing health. 

Doctor Cathcart, in his “ Baptist Encyclopedia,” says of 
him: 

Doctor Brown had poor health most of his life, but it was the only poor 
thing about him; he had great faith; he was never angry; he loved every 


one; he was the meekest man the writer ever knew; he walked very closely 
with God. He fell asleep in Jesus, May 14, in Germantown, Pa. 


| 302 | 


Il 
Hi CNS igi OES 


20. Benjamin Griffith 


Rev. Benjamin Griffith, D. D., Pastor of the New Market 
Street Baptist Church in Philadelphia, was elected a member 
of the Board of Managers of the American Baptist Publication 
Society in 1852. In the words of his friend, Charles H. 
Banes, he was recognized 


as a man among men, far-sighted, forceful; clear and decided in his 
convictions, courageous, but calm in his expressions. 


To this same friend, Colonel Banes, we are indebted for 
the little information available concerning the early life of 
Benjamin Griffith, the “ flaxen-haired boy ” of Welsh parent- 
age, motherless from infancy, who was wholly orphaned at 
eleven years of age by the death of his father. After two 
years of life with his uncle in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, 
where his time had been divided between his uncle’s country 
store and the country school of the district, he mounted a colt 
provided by this uncle and started alone on his long ride to 
Baltimore, ‘to make his own way in the world on his own 
account.” 

In Baltimore he became a member of the Sunday school 
of the First Baptist Church and formed friendships there 
which were dear to him to the end of his life. 

Here was germinated what became his life-long devotion to 
Sunday-school work, illustrating a paragraph in his report 
for the missionary department in 1871: 


A Sunday school is organized. It becomes the center of a quiet but 
mighty influence; through it impressions will be made upon hundreds, 


_ shaping them for eternity, and they in turn will mold other minds. Scores 


[ 303 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








may be gathered to Christ by means of its instrumentality. But at the time 
of its organization, the only report that could be made was “one Sunday 
school established.” 


Finding employment as clerk in a store he spent six years 
in Baltimore, chiefly in mercantile work. Colonel Banes 
writes of him, 


His life was chaste and pure, but his love for gaiety, and especially 
dancing, interposed for a time between the church and the world. 


Finally in November, 1839, at eighteen years of age, he was 
baptized in the First Baptist Church where he had become a 
member of the Sunday school soon after going to Baltimore. 
In the following year, 1840, he entered Madison (now Col- 
gate) University, as a student in preparation for the ministry. 
Not content to wait until the end of his period of preparatory 
study before passing on to others something of the benefit he 
was receiving, he looked about for opportunity to render 
needed service. [Finding an unoccupied field two miles away, 
he gathered the children of the neighborhood, organized a 
Sunday school and “ became about everything for it—super- 
intendent, teacher, and burden-bearer.” After his graduation 
from the University in 1848 he became missionary pastor in 
Maryland with salary of $400 a year. He left this work in 
1851 to accept the pastorate of the New Market Street Baptist 
Church in Philadelphia. 

In personal appearance he was described by one who knew 
him at that time as 


a youngish-looking man—he was in his thirtieth year—of medium height 
and rather slim, with frank open features bronzed by exposure to the sun; 
quiet of demeanor and graceful in movement, with a sweet, clear, pene- 
trating voice, enunciating every word distinctly. 


In September, 1854, after the erection of a more commodi- 
ous building in a location more favorable for efficient work, 
at the corner of Fifth and Buttonwood Streets, the name of 


[ 304 ] 


RECONSTRUCTORS 


the church was changed to the Fourth Baptist Church of 
Philadelphia. 

Not only did Doctor Griffith secure generous financial con- 
tributions for the Publication Society from the church of 
which he was pastor, even during the time when it was building 
the new house of worship, but he gave unstinted personal ser- 
vice as a member of its Board of Managers. 

In October, 1854, the month following the dedication of the 
new church, he married Elizabeth C. Crozer, a daughter of 
John P. Crozer, of Upland, Pennsylvania, a woman sympa- 
thetic with his highest ideals of life and service. To her he 
wrote, concerning his work as a member of the Committee on 
Publications : 

I went to the rooms and remained in committee meeting till half past 
six o’clock. This kind of work is very taxing, not simply on time, but 
on mind and body. I came home completely jaded. And now, what do 


you think I have been doing? Reading another book manuscript, three 
this week. I expect another one shortly. 


Doctor Blackall has written of him, 


From the very beginning of his membership in the Board, his capacity 
for leadership was shown, in the wisdom of his practical suggestions and 
his eminent executive ability. 


His first year as a member of the Board of Managers was 
the year in which had occurred the resignation of Thomas 
Malcom as Secretary, the election of Kendall Brooks as Asso- 
ciate Secretary, his resignation at’the end of four months to 
accept a professorship in Waterville College, and the appoint- 
ment of Heman Lincoln to fill the office for the remainder of 
the year, succeeded by his election as Corresponding Secretary 
and the unsuccessful effort to secure his release from the pas- 
torate of the Jamaica Plain Baptist Church to enable him to 
accept the secretaryship. In addition to these changes, the 
Board, in the same year, lost three experienced and valuable 
members by their removal to other fields of labor. 


[ 305 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


ee 
See 


In this time of swift and bewildering changes in the staff 
of workers the practical sagacity, wise discrimination, and 
judgment of this new member of the Board of Managers soon 
became evident. The Board’s appreciation of these qualities 
was shown in their appointment of Mr. Griffith as chairman of 
important committees, appointments which he thoroughly 
justified by the service which he rendered in such connections. 

His discretion and tact were especially demonstrated in his 
work as chairman of the committee appointed in 1853 to 
“designate the duties of the secretaries ”—a subject which 
had become of delicate and urgent importance in the stress 
of frequent changes of personnel in the staff of workers. 
That the matters under discussion in this connection were not 
all adjusted in a moment is indicated by the following extract 
from a letter written by Mr. Griffith under date of June 29, 
1856: 

This committee on depository agent and help, which has had so many 


meetings, will have another meeting on Monday, nine o’clock, probably all 
day. The business is very important. I ought to be there. 


As Chairman of the Committee on the Publishing Fund 
he reported at the Annual Meeting in 1854: 

Your Committee speak in soberness when they give it as their calm and | 
deliberate judgment, that $20,000 additional to the Publishing Fund are 


not only desirable, but imperatively demanded. The field before us is 
widening on every side. 


In 1856 Mr. Griffith was entrusted with many of the details 
of negotiations which finally resulted in merging the New 
England Sabbath School Union into the Publication Society— 
a transaction which ultimately was satisfactory to all con- 
cerned. 

Doctor Blackall records that in this same year, 1856, Mr. 
Griffith was 


a member of a committee to revise the anniversary minutes and prepare 
them for publication; and also one of a committee “to prepare a suitable 


[ 306 ] 


-RECONSTRUCTORS 





testimonial on the resignation of the Corresponding Secretary, William 
Shadrach, D. D.” His name appears as author of several important reso- 
lutions, proving that every department of the work of the Board came 
under his notice and awakened his interest; and during the fiscal year he 
was present at twenty-one of its twenty-five meetings. 


When in May, 1857, he accepted the secretaryship of The 
American Baptist Publication Society, he brought to the work 
not only intense interest in and devotion to the causes which 
it represented, but also personal experience in some of the 
leading lines of service which were to come under his adminis- 
tration. Moreover, he entered upon his new responsibilities 
with the practical assurance that funds would be available for 
carrying out his ideals for the promotion and expansion of 
the work. 

In its history of thirty-three years the Society had had a 
- succession of agents and secretaries, including some of the 
noblest spirits known in all history. ‘Their terms of office 
had been brief, averaging less than three years each. Among 
the managers and other officers in that time had been men of 
exceptional ability who had come and gone in a constantly 
changing procession. Funds had’ been collected where they 
could be found with no stable source of supply. Yet, notwith- 
standing all uncertainties and all vicissitudes, the work had 
grown and developed marvelously. The time at which Doctor 
Griffith accepted the office of Corresponding Secretary of The 
American Baptist Publication Society, May, 1857, was a time 
of change within the ranks of the Society. The resignations 
early in the year of the Treasurer, Charles B. Keen, because 
of a prospective absence of several months in Europe, and of 
the Depository Agent, Mr. Loxley, on account of impaired 
health, after many years of laborious, faithful service, brought 
a strong sense of loss in the working staff. Two members of 
the Board, Rev. M. G. Clarke and Rev. A. C. Wheat, for 
reasons of health and absence from the city, had resigned. 
The death of William Colgate, of New York, a Life Manager, 


[ 307 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








an early and staunch friend of the Society, was deeply felt 
not only on account of his generous contributions but also 
because of his strong outspoken denominational loyalty, espe- 
cially in the matter of Bible translation. 

Another Life Manager, Rev. J. G. Collum, of New Jersey, 
and two Life Members, Rev. Lovell Ingalls, of Burma, and 
A. M. Beebee of New York, died in this year. 

The Business Department of the Society was embarrassed 
by advances made for missionary work, and liabilities had been 
increased by purchasing the assets of the New England Sab- 
bath School Union. 

In addition to change and losses within the Society, the 
cloud of possible civil war loomed vaguely in the national 
horizon, bringing uncertainty and gloom in the general out- 
look. In the face of this combination of circumstances, his 
comment on his election was: ‘ Whether I can do any portion — 
of what is required remains to be seen. I-shall try, and try 
hard.” That pledge was kept through all the thirty-six years 
which followed to the end of his life of devoted service. 

The centralization of power in the early years of his occu- 
pancy of the secretaryship is impressive: 

The Corresponding Secretary was made also editor, publishing agent, 
depository agent, and assistant treasurer. .. At his suggestion, the varied 


work of the Board was rearranged and a “ Standing Business Committee ”’ 
was formed, of which Mr. John P. Crozer was made “ Permanent Chair- 
man.” By-laws were at once adopted for its guidance; auditors were 
named; reports were required monthly from each department; the agency 
system was revised; the colporters were held to a more strict account of 
their sales, inevitable losses being charged up to profit and loss account; 
and the whole system of colportage was revised, the details being carefully 
worked out by the Secretary. . . The “ one-hundred-thousand-dollar fund” 
effort was temporarily suspended. . . The Secretary was asked to raise 
fifteen hundred dollars “to meet the present exigencies of the times,” and 
temporary loans from banks were authorized and arranged, but no promise 
went unpaid, and never was a single note in bank protested. 


In all this reefing of sails before impending storm, so graphi- 
cally described by Doctor Blackall in his memorial article on 


[ 308 ] 


RECONSTRUCTORS 


Benjamin Griffith in relation to the Publication Society, from 
which the above quotations are made, Doctor Griffith’s “ cour- 
age never faltered and his faith never wavered.” Other co- 
workers nearer than Doctor Blackall was at that time to 
Doctor Griffith, were ready to confirm this testimony to the 
character of the man who had come to the secretaryship 
for such a time as that which immediately followed his 
election, and for all the later time during which he was spared 
to serve. 

A part of his power in service was faith in his coworkers 
allied with faith in God, and supplemented by his power to 
arouse and to hold the confidence and cooperation of others in 
his own plans and purposes. 

One phase of the readjustments made in the early part of 
Doctor Griffith's work as Corresponding Secretary had been 
the complete separation of the Missionary and Business De- 
partments of the Society. Each was given its own set of 
books, and accountings were kept entirely separate from each 
other, although the Corresponding Secretary was executive 
head of both as of all other departments of the Society’s work. 
Able leaders were given responsibility for certain departments 
of work but “ They were held responsible to him, for in every 
matter of importance he formed the final court of appeal.” 

Not only was Doctor Griffith strong and courageous; he 
was gentle. One who spent years in his employ said of him, 
“He could move and overcome obstacles in the most gentle 
way without making enemies of those he felt obliged to 
oppose.” Another said of him, “ In every difficulty he would 
listen patiently and always decide kindly but justly.” Dr. 
J. N. Murdoch, Corresponding Secretary of the American 
Baptist Missionary Union during many years, said of Doctor 
Griffith : 


He was always transparent, direct, and sincere. His sense of honor was 
keen and exacting, making him scrupulous in his intercourse with his 
friends. He was a man with whom one could afford to differ. I never 


[ 309 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





saw him ruffled or impatient in the sharpest discussion on points of 
difference. 


At the end, in 1893, when the thirty-six years of service 
which Benjamin Griffith had given to the Secretaryship of 
The American Baptist Publication Society were finished, a 
chorus of eulogy from every side testified the universal appre- 
ciation of his life and work. 

Could he have spoken, it would have been like him to call 
attention to his coworkers and to claim for them credit for a 
portion of the success which was being attributed to him. His 
organizing ability seems to have been one of his greatest assets 
in connection with the work of the Society. It was said of 
him by one who was a prominent member of the Board of 
Managers during twenty-one years, 

When it came to the marshaling of forces and organizing for work, his 


superiority was felt and cheerfully conceded by his associates rather than 
asserted by himself. 


All who have had experience in executive work realize how 
much depends on the quality of the forces EN EAHA Ks for mar- 
shaling and organizing. 


21. John Price Crozer 


One name which instantly suggests itself in connection with 
the work of Doctor Griffith is that of John Price Crozer, Vice- 
president of the Society from 1851 to the end of his life in 
1866. It would be interesting to trace the parallel between 
the development of The American Baptist Publication Society 
and the experiences of the man whose name in later years 
came to be so indissolubly linked with that organization. 

Dr. William Staughton when at the height of his power as. 
pastor of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, where “ he 
was recognized as the leader of his profession and invariably 
preached to crowded houses,’ went one day to Springfield, 
ten miles west of Philadelphia, to preach the funeral sermon 


[ 310 ] 


RECONSTRUCTORS 








of a young girl, a farmer’s daughter. John Price Crozer, then 
a boy fourteen years of age, whose home was with his parents 
on an adjoining farm, was in the little company of neighbors 
and friends seated on chairs and benches in a room of the 
low-ceilinged farmhouse in-which the service was held. 

In the following April, 1807, 

John and his sister Sarah were baptized by Doctor Staughton, in the 
~ Schuylkill at the end of Spruce Street, and united with the First Baptist 
Church of Philadelphia. . . At Marcus Hook, eight miles off, there was 
stated preaching once a month, which John always attended, and once a 


month, or oftener he attended divine service in Philadelphia; sometimes 
taking one or both of his sisters, and at others going alone on horseback. 


For several years following this time, until after the death 
of his invalid father in 1816 and of his mother in the follow- 
ing year, John had the entire management of the farm. 

Then came a period of change, after the farm had been sold 
and its proceeds divided among his two sisters, two brothers, 
and himself. - Until 1824 he steadily felt the stress of poverty, 
of toil, of rigid economy, of disappointment, of vicissitude. 

In 1824 when he had just passed his thirty-first birthday 
and was emerging from poverty to competence, Doctor 
Staughton, who had exercised so potent an influence over him 
in his adolescent boyhood, was advising with the group of 
gifted students under his care in Columbian College in their 
efforts to establish The Baptist General Tract Society. In this 
Same year, 1824, Mr. Crozer, having established himself in 
business, married the noble woman whom he had loved since 
his early manhood. 

The beginning of his home life with her coincided with a 
renewal of the intensity of the early religious aspirations in- 
spired in him by Doctor Staughton. 

After many years of hard work and strict economy Mr. 
Crozer’s business became prosperous. In 1839 he purchased 
more property. “learing away an old paper-mill, he erected 
a new factory and moved his residence to Crozerville, a larger, 


[311] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


finer establishment. Business having become lucrative, he 
took life more easily. 
Later he records in his diary, 


When I think of the responsibility, the requirements, the stewardship, 
it is then that I feel, and desire to feel, that special blessings are not given 
for naught. 


January 1, 1847, having received his son Samuel into part- 
nership in business with him, and had his books written up 
and the balance-sheet opened before him, he wrote, 


I feel the utter worthlessness of riches, and yet all the time to be making 
haste to be rich is a strange feature in human nature, or at least, in mine. 


In that year, 1847, while retaining possession of his previous 
residences at West Branch and Crozerville, he erected and 
moved into “a spacious mansion at Upland as a home for 
his family.” 

On January 13, 1848, his fifty-sixth birthday, he records in 
his diary: 

I must needs have employment. Would to God I might be directed to 
some field of enlarged usefulness, in which no self-interest could ensue! . . 
O my Lord, if it is Thy righteous pleasure, direct me clearly and decisively 


to some path of duty and of usefulness, apart from the absorbing influence 
of wealth and worldly-mindedness. 


Another entry in his diary records: 


I have learned the art of making money, but of how small account is 
this! sordid gain—accumulation of one kind of dust, no better, in reality, 
than the clay of the fields around me. Oh, that I could do a little for my 
Lord and Master! A little for my friends and neighbors! A little for the 
dying multitudes about me!—before I go hence to be no more on earth. 


The sequel to such self-appraisal, to such prayers, is found 
in his growing devotion to the work of Christian education 
and of many types of philanthropic service. In 1851 he be- 
came Vice-president of The American Baptist Publication 
Society. 


[ 312 ] 


RECONSTRUCTORS 


Through his contributions new fields were entered, new 
workers were secured, new life was given to department after 
department of the Society's work. 

Mr. Crozer’s official connection with the Publication Society 
antedates by one year that of Doctor Griffith. His interest in 
the work naturally was intensified by the close family relation- 
ship which developed in the marriage of his daughter to 
Doctor Griffith in 1854, and the acceptance of the Secretary- 
ship of the Society by Doctor Griffith in 1857. His zeal and 
generosity for the work, however, had their spring in experi- 
ences more intimate even than these. His personal diary, 
written as an outpouring of his own growing experiences, 
gives the secret of that zeal for service which communicated 
itself to his son and to other members of his family who, after 
his passing, in 1866, sought not only to complete what he had 
begun, but to enlarge his plans and to broaden the flow of 
his beneficence. 


22. William Bucknell 


The second name which suggests itself in the list of recon- 
structors with Doctor Griffith is that of Mr. William Bucknell. 
Mr. Bucknell was born April 1, 1811, in Delaware County, 
Pennsylvania, near Marcus Hook. He came to Philadelphia 
at sixteen years of age, and learned wood-carving. He fol- 
lowed that occupation until by 
industry, skill, economy, and rigid punctuality in his business he had 


acquired a small capital which he employed in brokerage and real estate 
transactions and was steadily successful. 


Later he engaged in the construction of water and gas works 
in several cities. “It was his pride always to comply in full 
with his contracts and punctiliously on time.” 

He was a member of the Board of Managers of The Ameri- 
can Baptist Publication Society during forty-nine years, 
beginning with 1841, and Chairman of that Board during 
twenty-three years, beginning with 1867. 


[ 313] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








It is said that he was one of the most earnest advocates 
of the movement changing the Society from simply a tract 
and Sunday-school organization to a publishing society of 
more general character. 

At the time of his death in 1890 it was recorded of him 
that he was “ the largest single giver to The American Baptist 
Publication Society.” | 

He was baptized by Dr. Rufus Babcock of the Spruce Street 
Baptist Church, Philadelphia, when he was twenty-five years 
of age. _ From the beginning of his business career he regu- 
larly reserved a part of his income for beneficence. In his 
life he gave more than $1,000,000. During several years his 
benefactions averaged more than $1,000 a week. 

His benefactions were distributed over a wide area, includ- 
ing not only the Publication Society, but also the American 
Bible Society, the American Sunday School Union, and many 
hospitals and institutional homes. In the time of the Civil 
War he made large donations to the Sanitary and Christian 
Commission, and, later, gave large sums to aid the depleted 
South. | 

Many academies and colleges were helped by him. His 
generous gifts to Lewisburg University led the trustees to 
change the name of that institution to Bucknell University. 
He erected Pearl Hall at Crozer Theological Seminary in 
memory of his wife, Margaret Crozer, stocked it with a 
library, and provided for its increase. 

He gave large sums of money for foreign missions and 
churches and also for the building of churches in Philadelphia, 
and for the payment of church debts. 

It is said that the last words of his life were: “ Grace! 
Sovereign grace! ”’ 


23. George W. Anderson 


A steady recognition of the importance of the Book Pub- 
lishing Department has prevented the lapsing of the office of 


[ 314] 





WILLIAM BUCKNELL 


Board Member for Forty-nine Years 





RECONSTRUCTORS 


Book Editor in all the changes which have come since 1849, 
when Dr. John Newton Brown was elected “to supervise all 
the publications of the Society.” 

In 1864 Rev. George W. Anderson, D. D., became Acting 
Editor under the direction of Doctor Griffith who, until that 
time after the resignation of Doctor Brown, had carried the 
editorial work in addition to his regular duties as Correspond- 
ing Secretary. Later, Doctor Anderson was elected Editor 
and rendered excellent service during the twenty-seven years 
of his connection with the editorial department of the Society. 
He was a native of Philadelphia, a graduate of Madison Uni- 
versity in 1844, and of Hamilton Theological Seminary in 
1846. In the same year, 1846, he became editor of the 
“Christian Chronicle.” In 1849 he was elected to the chair 
of Latin Languages and Literature in Lewisburg University. 
Later he was ordained to the ministry and spent some years 
in pastoral work before coming to the editorial department 
of The American Baptist Publication Society. 


24. Philip L. Jones 

Rev. Philip L. Jones, D. D., elected Book Editor in 1880, 
succeeding Doctor Anderson in office, served in that capacity 
during more than twenty-four years, resigning only a few 
months before his death in 1913. 

He was a man of keen observation, and unusual tact. His 
just estimate of literary values and his skilful management 
of business details made his editorial work invaluable to the 
Society. In addition to his work as Book Editor he was 
editor for a time of “ Young People at Work,” the name of 
which was changed later to the ““ Young People’s Union.” He 
was a writer of some note. His “ Restatement of Baptist 
Principles’ was translated into Japanese and also into some 
other languages. The last work of his pen, written only a 
few days before his death, was a rhymed version of the 
Twenty-third Psalm. 


[ 315 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


25. Charles H. Banes 


Colonel Charles H. Banes, a member of the Board of 
Managers of The American Baptist Publication Society since 
1873, was elected its Treasurer in 1883. Ten years later he 
was elected to the office of Corresponding Secretary after the 
death of Doctor Griffith. 

Dr. Philip L. Jones has left for us this description of the 


new secretary : 


A man tall, straight, with iron-gray hair, but not past the prime of life; 
a man prompt, direct, and yet always courteous; a man equally at home in 
a manufactory, a counting-room, a bank, or on a public platform; a man 
clear-eyed and clean-handed; a man who can do much because he can 
place responsibility upon others; a man who has achieved distinction as a 
soldier, and is not without experience in political positions; a man who 
knows good literature and collects it, nor is devoid of skill to write; a man 
loyal as a friend, incorruptible as a citizen; and humble and active as a 
Christian. 


Because of the pressing nature of his other engagements 
Colonel Banes declined the secretaryship except for a few 
months following the lamented death of Doctor Griffith. Ac- 
cording to the record of the Board he filled this office 
with signal ability, and to the entire satisfaction, not only of the Board, 
but of the denomination at large. His resignation was reluctantly ac- 


cepted, and he was again appointed treasurer, which position he held to 
the hour of his death. 


He was characterized in the record of the Board as 


wise in counsel, prompt and decided in administration, with a cultivated 
mind and taste, and a quick appreciation of the needs of the situation. 
He was a man to whom they constantly looked for leadership. His in- 
terest took hold of every phase of the Society’s work. All departments 
found in him a sympathetic friend and helper. 


26. Adoniram Judson Rowland 


Rev. Adoniram Judson Rowland, D. D., who became Gen- 
eral Secretary of the Publication Society in 1895, rendered 


[ 316 ] 


RECONSTRUCTORS 


earnest service in that capacity during twenty-two years and 
has left a lasting impress on the work. 

His official connection with the Society dated from 1875 
when he became a member of its Board of Managers. From 
that time on his relation to the work was marked by a series 
of promotions. In 1887 he was made Editor of “ Young 
Reople sineioo4, of Lhe Senior Quarterly,” In 1890 he 
was made Recording Secretary of the Society, and in 1895, 
General Secretary; in 1917, Secretary Emeritus’ with full 
salary for life. 

Doctor Rowland’s generally recognized executive ability 
had abundant opportunity for exercise in the time of his secre- 
taryship. In 1896, soon after his acceptance of the office, the 
Society’s building at 1420 Chestnut Street, with its contents, 
was destroyed by fire. At this time the new printing-house 
was in process of building. | 

Men who were members of the Board at the time speak with 
gratitude and pride of the versatility of thought, the keen 
judgment, the admirable discretion which he manifested in 
meeting emergencies so suddenly thrust upon the Executive 
Committee of the Society. His “ business judgment and his 
executive ability ’ impressed those who shared responsibility 
with him during the time of building the new publication 
house at 1420 Chestnut Street, and no less in the reluctant 
decision later to sell this and to erect the Roger Williams 
Building at Seventeenth and Chestnut Streets. 

Dr. Gilbert N. Brink, worthy successor of Doctor Row- 
land, writing of this time of sudden testing says: 

The severe test of managerial capacity was admirably met by the General 
Secretary, nobly aided by the Board of Managers and the Administrative 
Staff. Within forty-eight hours the process of restoration in temporary 
quarters was well under way, the new printing-house building being partly 
utilized; stock was called in from branch houses; contracts were made with 
business firms; every department was brought into full cooperation. All 


this involved an immense amount of detail work by the General Secretary 
in rehabilitating the departments as well as in settling questions of values, 


[ 317 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








insurance, etc. With commendable quickness a new, larger, and more 
costly building, built on the old site, was made ready for use. 


The Board recorded officially that “‘ at the very outset Doc- 
tor Rowland proved the mental and moral grasp which dis- 
tinguished his administration.”’ 

They paid him glowing tribute as “ably representing the 
Society in decades of change in the denomination’s policy and 


organization.” 
They add: 


We one and all have admired his personal qualities, his engaging manners, 
his characteristic courtesy and kindness, his strong personal convictions, 
his broad sympathies, his consideration for the other man’s point of view 
and claims for attentfon. We have honored him for his active mind, his 
fund of knowledge, his fine power of expression, his ready command of 
wide fields of fact, and his thorough devotion of all his noble powers to 

the service to which the Master and the churches had called him. 


‘ 


Those who knew him intimately speak of his “ flashes of 
humor,’ of his “ winsome personal charm.”’ Ernest L. Tustin, 
then a member of the Board of Managers of the Publication 
Society and also Director of Public Welfare of the City of 
Philadelphia, after speaking of the serious problems met and 
solved by Doctor Rowland in his executive capacity, added: 

Doctor Rowland proved more than a business man; with competent head 
and heart of unspotted integrity he brought the pastoral mind and spirit 


into his dealing with the Society’s employees, and lonély workers far away 
were cheered by letters in the handwriting: of their most brotherly chief. 


To the end he worked. The Sunday before his going, he 
preached morning and evening in a Philadelphia pulpit. 

In 1920, near the Christmastime, Dr. Samuel G. Neil, Bible 
and Field Secretary of the Society, wrote of him: 


We saw the valiant pilgrim making his entrance into the City Celestial. 
So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side! 


[ 318 ] 


ADONIRAM JUDSON ROWLAND, D.D., LL. D. 
General Secretary, 1895-1917 





oe « hd 





- %) 
+ bre ce 


iP igt 
ws. ¢ 
My 


| 


‘es 


“fae 





ay ede 0 ee 
’ Pry » . 
Pet j eae + 
. y 
‘ “erly “er 
+ 
1 
Fi . a 
. ' 
‘ a 
1a)%, 
: : D ve’ 
a Dt 
po fa a ‘ ; 
. yall 
7 i 
ie , i] 
} ; ~ ae te 
fa : - . 
1 - . 
: . hehe 
vy, ait é i 
ivy ' 
‘ : 7 
’ y ‘ r: 
a8 4 
ie ; “ } aly 
me ! : 
Re . 4 cn 
£ , =f } a : 
¢ _ i ' - 
4 bis 
_ ‘ 
i '. ; 
7s 
j t Ma 
A; : ee " e? 
7 r J, ¥ 
Zs - ae 
- J 
i " ( 
J i t ] 
. we — 
ae 
4 « 
< : -* 
é- " r , a 
i 
, a a 
3 ‘7 ° 2 
H pe yt ao 
chs ‘ - ‘ 3 
t see ends ‘ : 
q ’ — ¥ ( 
4 ae ‘ 
ts 4 . ee dite 
‘ , ‘ 4 j ; ; ' i 
, ema 
i , 1 
1 i Ally / 
* 
x) mH La : t i 2 ry “9 ; s 
aed 04. et Wee ie af 
' i... iy — - 4 
ne ae Bras Va Anes 
| - ; Jo Tea af 
4 ; ; pal 
re ‘ ‘oe "1 m 
; , : ea 
' os f 
ot ‘ 4 ee =/* 7 2 
' ; J F ie eee ~ A vea's 
Tin: é , ie breil | a > we 
/ P 9 Ae ; OLN ast i ee ., 
‘ . ut dibs 
J *5 tad! pane ae val 
i é AD ues eh eee 
a7 ’ ro. wpe a i ys iW, a 
ix; Sind. OS ae Ua 
‘i / ii bY by a TT Se oe 
} : ‘ my a a saan) Lae ¢ 
' t ds d= : 
A ec’ ze 4 ec Alpe 
7” eee | ae. vf 7 =< b i 
] 7 > tn, Ores “ ot 
: w + ‘V4 -  - 
Fj - a : 
: ' 4 ’ - Moe. Ma, 
\ j ; Va bats 75 
q ‘ ' > ’ 1 2th Ad9 a* miss Pa) 
" F ’ : : : 


* 


IV 
EXTENSION WORKMEN 


The remarkable team-work accomplished between 1857 and 
_1866 by Doctor Griffith as Corresponding Secretary, Editor, - 
Publishing Agent, Depository Agent, and Assistant Treasurer, 
and John P. Crozer as Vice-president of the Society, Chair- 
man of the Board of Managers, Permanent Chairman of the 
Business Committee, and Generous Contributor, resulted in 
so large an increase in the Society’s operations that some dis- 
tribution of responsibilities at headquarters finally became 
inevitable. 


27. S. W. Marston 


Rev. S. W. Marston, D. D., chairman of a committee on 
Sunday-school work which had been appointed in the morning 
of the first day of the annual meeting of the Society, May 19, 
1871, reported in the afternoon session of the same day, the 
following resolutions: 

Resolved, That in order to the more efficient service in the Sunday-school 
work in our country, we recommend our Board of Managers to appoint a 


standing committee, to be known as the Committee on the Sunday-school 
Work. 

Resolved, That a general Sunday-school Secretary be appointed, whose 
duty it shall be to secure, as far as possible, uniformity and efficiency in 
State and Associational organizations, and to instruct the churches and 
Sunday-school officers and teachers in the practical work of the Sunday 
school. 


After full discussion this report was adopted. 

Doctor Marston, whose prompt report for the committee 
of which he was chairman in that Chicago meeting was so 
comprehensive in its grasp of fundamental needs, was no 
novice in educational work. As Secretary of the Sunday 


[ 319 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


School Convention of the State of Missouri, in the two years 
previous to 1871 he had increased the number of schools in 
that State from 74 to 603, with 5,094 teachers and officers, 
and 38,182 pupils. He had organized in each of the 59 
Associations in the State a Sunday School Convention aux- 
iliary to the State Sunday School Convention. 

After three years of service in this connection he was ap- 
pointed by President Grant as United States Agent for civil- 
ized Indians in the Indian Territory and, later, in 1879, by 
The American Baptist Home Mission Society as superin- 
tendent of work among the freedmen of the South. 


28. Warren Randolph 


Rev. Warren ‘Randolph, D. D., was appointed Sunday 
School Secretary, in accordance with the resolutions adopted 
in the annual meeting of 1871, and began his work in that 
year. His duties as outlined to Doctor Randolph were 
to develop Sunday-school benevolences; to organize the Sunday-school 


force; to extend Sunday-school missions; to educate Sunday-school 
workers, and to secure the Sunday-school book patronage. 


After graduating from Brown. University in 1851, Doctor 
Randolph had filled important pastorates in Providence, Phila- 
delphia, and Boston until 1870, when he spent nearly a year 
traveling in Europe and the Fast. 

In accepting the office of Sunday School Secretary for The 
American Baptist Publication Society he saw the work of the 
Society as related to the Sunday-school work of the world. 
In the following year, 1872, he was chosen a member of the 
first lesson committee of the National Sunday School Conven- 
tion, and also as the first secretary of the International Sun- 
day School Lesson Committee. He filled this office during 
twenty-five years. In all that time he missed only one session 
of the Committee. It is recorded of him that he did “ more 
work for the International Lesson Committee than any other 
member of any Committee,” and that he worked 


[ 320 ] 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


in the love of a strong, sweet spirit that saw with a prophet’s vision the 
millions of Sunday-school teachers and pupils to whose service he gladly 
gave himself. 


Doctor Randolph resigned the secretaryship in The Ameri- 
can Baptist Publication Society in 1877 to return to pastoral 
work, holding charges first in Indianapolis and later in New- 
port, Rhode Island. 

After his death in 1899, the Board recorded of him, 


No little of the success of the Society in its Sunday School Department 
in more recent years is due to the foundation work done by Doctor Ran- 
dolph during his term of office. 


No immediate successor was appointed in this department. 
Years after his resignation, Doctor Randolph had said of 
Doctor Griffith after the close of his labors: 


He had no hobby. He was simply set on doing well whatever he under- 
took. He moved forward the various departments of his work as a skilful 
general moves forward his men. 


Had it been possible to think of Doctor Griffith as having 
a ‘‘ hobby,” perhaps the Sunday school would have been sug- 
gested first in that connection. To him Sunday-school work 
was missionary service of the highest order. 


29. George J. Johnson 


Rey. George J. Johnson, D. D., became Missionary Secre- 
tary in 1878. ‘The thirty years previous to this appointment 
since his graduation from Hamilton Theological Seminary 
had been spent in missionary work in the West and the South- 
west. In his first pastorate in Burlington, Iowa, where he 
organized a church of twelve members, and saw it grow to 
318 members under his leadership, John E. Clough, who later 
became missionary to the Telugus in India, was one of his 
converts. 

Resigning pastoral work for service with The American 


[ 321 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Baptist Publication Society he labored as District Secretary 
first in the Northwest, where his District included Michigan, 
Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and “all the 
regions beyond’’; and later in the Southwest, with head- 
quarters in St. Louis, and a field including the southern half 
of Illinois, all country west of the Mississippi River, and the 
States south to the Gulf of Mexico. His earnest work in these 
connections led to his appointment as Missionary Secretary 
of the national Society and his transfer to the home office in 
Philadelphia. His success in this broader field of service 
abundantly justified his appointment. In 1881 


the receipts for missionary purposes, for the first time in the history 
of the Society, included contributions from every State and Territory in 
the nation, and made an aggregate larger than ever before; and a small 
balance remained to the credit of each department. 


30. C. C. Bitting 


Rev. C. C. Bitting, D. D., was appointed Bible Secretary 
in 1883, in accordance with “ Resolution 7” adopted at the 
Bible Convention at Saratoga in that year. Doctor Bitting 
resigned his successful pastorate with the Franklin Square 
Baptist Church in Baltimore in order to undertake this work. 
His ‘* Bible Societies and the Baptists,” published in 1897, by 
the Publication Society, records the steps leading to and 
through the Bible Convention of 1883. 

On the retirement in October, 1884, of Doctor Johnson 
from the office of Missionary Secretary, the Board committed 
the executive work of the Missionary Department as well as 
that of the Bible Department to Doctor Bitting. He was con- 
nected officially with the Society until his death, December 24, 
1898. His tireless energy and large executive ability were of 
great service in both the Bible and Missionary Departments 
during the term of his secretaryship. His passing brought 
loss to the Society and bereavement to a multitude of personal 
friends. 


[ 322 ] 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


310.De CoHuches 


Rev. D. C. Hughes, D. D., was elected a representative of 
the American and Foreign Bible Society in the Board of Man- 
agers of The American Baptist Publication Society in accor- 
dance with “ Resolution 8” in the agreement made at the 
Saratoga Convention in 1883. 

He had been a strong advocate of The American Bible 
Union, and he “took no inconsiderable part in the work of 
translating the Word of God undertaken by that organi- 
zation.” 

Doctor Hughes was a native of Wales. He came to this 
country in his early manhood and was an earnest and success- 
ful pastor in some of our best churches. 

He was Vice-president of The American Baptist Publication 
Society in 1900, and was a member of the Board of Managers 
from that time until his death in 1910, at the home of his 
son, the Hon. Charles Evans Hughes, then Governor of the 
State of New York, now Secretary of State for our Federal 
Government. 


32. Spencer H. Cone 


Of American Baptists engaged in activities connected with 
the work of the Bible Societies before the incorporation of 
that work in the Publication Society two were especially 
prominent—Doctor Cone and William Colgate. 

Rev. Spencer H. Cone, D. D., one of the first Life Members 
of the Tract Society, was elected in 1833 as one of the Corre- 
sponding Secretaries of the American Bible Society. He was 
one of the leaders in the formation of the American and 
Foreign Bible Society in 1837, and was President of that 
organization until 1850, when he resigned that office and 
united with others in the formation of The American Bible - 
Union of which he became the first president and continued 
in that office until his death in 1855. 


[ 323 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Doctor Cone became a minister of the Oliver Street Baptist 
Church in New York in 1823, and served there during eighteen 
years, resigning in 1841, to become pastor of the First Church 
in the same city. He has been described as being gifted 
with “a brilliant, creative mind, and an impulsive, impatient 
temperament,” yet he seems to have done excellent work in 
these two metropolitan pastorates during a period of thirty- 
four years. 

In personal appearance he was described as being “ tall, 
erect, graceful,” and as having “a melodious voice and ready 
speech.” It is said of him, further, that “he had marked 
ability as a presiding and executive officer.” “The volun- 
tary principle in whatever pertains to religion’ was the key- 
note of his life and work. 

His biographer says of him that 


In The American Baptist Publication Society from its first organization 
in Washington under the name of the Baptist General Tract Society to 
the close of his life, he took a lively interest. .. The last monies contributed 
to the cause of benevolence, through him, were for this society. 


33. William Colgate 


Mr. William Colgate, a Life Manager of The American 
Baptist Publication Society, was recorded in the Annual Re- 
port for 1857 as “ an early and reliable friend of this Society.”’ 

The same phraseology might be used truthfully in regard 
to his connection with the work of the Bible Societies and of 
other denominational organizations. He was not of the type 
of men who watch the direction of the tide of sentiment and 
influence before deciding to embark in an enterprise. More 
than once in his life he proved his power to turn the tide 
into constructive channels of Christian activity. 

He was born of Kentish stock, in Kent County, England, 
and lived at Shoreham until his twelfth year. 

His father, Robert Colgate, was a leader among the people 
seeking reform in England and deprecating severity toward 


[ 324 ] 


~~ 





WILLIAM COLGATE 


“ Early and Rel 


iend ” 


iable Fr 


P r 
. 
‘ ; 
Le 
\ 
t/ 
? 
4 
. 
eet 
1 
‘ vit 
“ | 
¥ eb 
) Me ge ay, 
; i he) 
g i 
J / 
Ae { 
i’ j 
} / 
Lar | 
) 
: 
+ J 
n 
- 
' 2 
{ n 
, \ 
+ 
' 
- t 
4 
t ~ 
i 
/ 
‘ 
i 
5) 
* ra 
! . 
os 
- 
i 
: 
- q 
os = 
eee 
j . 1a ‘ 
j * ; 
bed 8). a oben 
. 
: ve 
. 
é 
q ¢ 
that | 
: " ; 
st | 4 f 
: 
’ 
Pa 






Y ; f ed | p oe ¢ Th? 
- la : t — 5 4/) P » Ly hides a A 
: . ae ay Sala yes ey Fi il ey 
X A ' 6 : ' TU onh q . 
hee aL ee er Me 
ie Pe a op Pie q ane Ptah kt Ol ad Py ~J aa 
oy + To. sr | b Le piuls a is 
ale ju te an we F 
ee an o* ; 4 
4 Tv 
ef Ohi! g 
tad ki . ; : 
¢ i i Ve 
> \ - _ 
i. Pere ye gay 
{ 
: . ei” a ae 
“ a ie 
". ’ +e) Py - L's 
. t J ; 
: j P 
a3 
Ky ; ; 
: i 
‘ 
; ‘ 
"als wt 
~ \ bs at 
oy : 4 
‘ ‘ Ant 
a <>; ’ ane 
i rf at 
' 4 - 
ee A s. ; i, 
y 7 " 
, i : os 
+ iA « 
7 re eee e 
> i? * J 4 ‘ft 4 
’ s, 
arr wy 
E ’ ' ‘ Te 
z ee i ; 
ie 
i 
i 
jay oa o¢ 
‘ “ ts 
7 > > 
“4 ‘ 
* 4 r' i ‘se ind 
1% Sead . 
r q es ei a 
ae Ad: Py Tie 
by j ; j rit he Sea) i 
Ay 5 ae 
‘ ? ic 6 y 
y 
’, F - <4 tr ~ 
& 7 +4 
; 
2 4) 
4 7°. @ any ai 
‘ pa, ’ a : a) 
5 ) p ae nk 
: 2 he ,. 4 
£ a bs aa en iv”. 
: f Pattie, Pure 
5 A : 4 7 pie no 
: rs ~ } if. ve ee. ee 
r \ ms f ov iy gs ace 
i* f ee AP ee | of Sig 
i b a \~ WA 
y i t Q ed | 
P 5 eo * 2 y ran a s 
: i. er aad 
, , a iv ‘ 
ee rent Viet 
yp j i : al ¥ nl ak om 
’ rae a * ss 
J -#) 4 ¢ ¢ _ 
= ans a nina? vd ba Anca! 
aie HY > Po eae a ;' 
i i . oat 7 jive oa! 4 
fe gy ‘ PS ee aes SD) 
re i. ve ay 
hes roa ai DI aS mae 
D y vs i -% 
> A} a7 em ° 


del : A? hs é vl i 
i ba) } : wa bal 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


the American colonists. Warned by the younger Pitt, the 
“Great Commoner,” a friend of schoolboy days, who knew 
that plans were laid against his safety, he sailed with his large 
family for America, in 1795. He went first to Maryland 
and established his family on a farm in the vicinity of 
Baltimore. 

From the age of twelve to fourteen years, William Col- 
gate, the oldest son, attended one of the best schools in Balt1- 
more. At fifteen years of age he began to work. Through 
fraudulent title the farm which his father had bought near 
Baltimore was lost. William, then seventeen years old, paid 
his father’s debts, and supported the family, eventually buying 
a farm for them in Dutchess County, New York, where his 
father lived during the remainder of his days. 

While working to free his father from financial embarrass- 
ment he became conscious of so strongly vindictive a feeling 
against those who had impoverished them, that he was unable 
to overcome it. Then he 
sought and found that Divine Help which alone could enable him to for- 


give as he would be forgiven. .. He became known as a peace-maker 
between alienated parties and individuals. 


In business he was described as being “alert, vigilant, 
shrewd, diligent, courteous, systematic, and persistent.” 

He was married in 1811 to Mary Gilbert, of English descent, 
and lived at 43 John Street, New York. In the words of his 
grandson, James C. Colgate, 

Sometime after that he moved up-town to Chambers Street, where he 


lived for some years, and later made his friends think he had lost his 
reason by moving way up to 22 East 23rd Street. 


“In his home,” we are told by his biographer, Dr. William 
W. Everts, 


Wit, humor, business, politics, general news, all found place, but not 
denunciation, even of bad men. .. He had a large Bible class in the Mul- 
berry Street Tabernacle. . . He was constantly watching for young men 
with ministerial gifts. Soon some ten or twelve of them were studying 


[ 325 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


at Hamilton. . . He formed “The Young Men’s Bible Society of New 
York.” This was a chief factor in the formation in 1816 of the American 
Bible Society. 


In the controversies which arose later in that organization 
he was quoted as saying in public address: 


The Baptists, sir, are a peculiar people. No man can lead them, no man 
can drive them. Their churches are all independent and each one will 
think for itself, acknowledging no master but one, Jesus. 


William Colgate was in close cooperation with Doctor Cone, 
Doctor Kendrick, Mr. Maclay, and others in the formation of 
the American and Foreign Bible Society, in 1837. 

It was in his home, 128 Chambers Street, New York, that 
the historic prayef-meeting was held in May, 1850, when The 
American Bible Union was conceived, to be organized a few 
days later in the Baptist Tabernacle on Mulberry Street. He 
was a generous and enthusiastic friend as well as Treasurer 
of the Bible Union during the remainder of his life. 

From the beginning of the organization of The American 
Baptist Home Mission Society, he was its Treasurer, with 
Heman Lincoln as its President, Jonathan Going, Secretary, 
and Doctors Kendrick, Bramley, Irah Chase, and John M. 
Peck in the Board of Directors. He was one of the earliest 
and largest contributors to the Triennial Convention. He was 
one of the earliest friends of Hamilton Theological School, 
now Colgate University. 

Mr. Colgate had that energetic type of piety which made 
him a natural leader of men in good causes. 

His courage, candor, and truthfulness coupled with charity 
and fidelity made him a powerful advocate for Christianity. 
In the progress of special evangelistic services in the church 
of which he was a member he employed extra help in his 
office during several months in order to be able to give more 
time to personal work with inquirers and to other services for 
the church. 


[ 326 | 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 





His pastor recorded that 


No member of the church was more active and enthusiastic than William 
Colgate. He was at the door to greet strangers, and in the inquiry meet- 
ing. He visited’ in homes, and assisted at the baptistry. 


It was said of him that “ His industry was consecration, and 
his work, worship.”’ 


34. Robert Gillen Seymour 


Rev. Robert Gillen Seymour, D. D., was elected Missionary 
Secretary in 1898, and in 1899 after the death of Doctor Bit- 
ting, the supervision of the Bible Department was added to 
his work. His service in both departments was enthusiastic 
and whole-hearted. 

His address on “ Personality in Missions,” delivered at the 
Missionary Mass Meeting in San Francisco in May, 1899, 
found illustration in his own life and work. 

A brief extract may be suggestive: 

It is by the contact of person with person that the kingdom of God 
progresses. The great reservoir of life is the Eternal God; the personality 


of man is the conduit which leads the water of life to men. It is for this 
divine-human touch that the world awaits. 


9 


Referring to Elisha’s experience he added: 


The kingdom of God goes not out with staves, even if gold be the staff. 
Even a prophet’s staff cannot work the cure. .. Our staves may be helpful 
to us and be symbols of power, but they cannot take the place of ourselves. 


Doctor Seymour’s genial spirit made friends everywhere. 

It was easy to realize in his sudden passing from this world 
in September, 1912, that it was not death, but transition which 
removed him from labor here to find new activity in a higher 
sphere. 

In his last Annual Report, presented in May, 1912, Doctor 
Seymour announced, 

We have thirty-four Sunday-school missionaries who are scattered over 


the country. Over two hundred new schools were organized last year, and 
over a thousand institutes were held. 


[ 327 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


35. Charles H. Spalding 


Rev. Charles H. Spalding, D. D., who served as District 
Secretary for New England during twenty-five years, was 
one who gave himself to the work. He was called “ The best- 
known and best-beloved man among the Baptists of New 
England.”’ One who knew him well, said when he had gone 
in December, 1921, “ A bit of the world’s sunshine is lost in 
Doctor Spalding’s going home.” 

The Board recorded of him: 

His work was marked by conspicuous devotion, ability, and success. He 


was much more than a representative of the Publication Society. Every 
interest of the kingdom of God enlisted his active sympathy and support. 


In 1888 Doctor Spalding reported: 


The Publication Society is preeminently a Sunday-school society. .. An 
average of three hundred Sunday schools a year during the last twenty 
years or more—one year 636, every one of these schools a spike of gold 
making more secure and rapid the moral tread of generations. Nearly 
7,500 Sunday schools formed during a half century and out of these 
schools eight hundred churches constituted ! 


36. Boston W. Smith 


Many of the “ Sunday-school missionaries scattered over 
the country ” mentioned by Doctor Seymour were true exten- 
sion workmen. 

* Uncle Boston,” as he was affectionately named by chil- 
dren and other friends, recorded in his little volume “ Spicy 
Breezes ’’ many incidents typical of the life and work of a 
Sunday-school missionary on the Western frontier of thirty 
years ago. 

Those who knew Mr. Smith in the time of his work in 
Minnesota, where he spent fifteen years as Sunday-school mis- 
sionary, cannot forget his appearance as the embodiment of 
enthusiastic energy. He was short, plump, jocund, with dark 
eyes, hair, and beard. He was equally welcome on the field 


[ 328 ] 


P] 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


and in the city churches. In 1888 he reported victoriously : 
“Nearly two hundred Sunday schools in Minnesota. Not 
one of them now closes for the winter.” 

After fifteen years of service as Sunday-school missionary 
and ten years in chapel car work, he continued lecturing and 
soliciting funds for the Society until he was called home, 
September 10, 1908. 


37. David P. Ward 


Rev. David P. Ward, the veteran Sunday-school missionary 
of California, whose address on “ Sunday School Work on 
the Pacific Coast,’ delivered at the annual meeting in 1899, 
was a revelation to many of his auditors, rejoices in his record 
of forty-seven years in service. His home is in Pasadena, 
California. 


38. E. B. Edmunds 


At the opening of the twentieth century, in the annual 
meeting of 1900, Rev. E. M. Stephenson, then of Illinois, Rev. 
Charles Rhoads, of Missouri, and Rev. E. B. Edmunds, of 
Wisconsin, all spoke on the topic “ The Sunday School in the 
Nineteenth Century.”’ Those who heard the testimony of this 
notable trio of Sunday-school workers concerning the work 
with which they had been so intimately associated cannot for- 
get the needs which they vividly portrayed. 

In 1908 the resignation of Mr. Edmunds, after a service of 
thirty-nine years, was accepted regretfully with the comment 
concerning his personality and his work that his influence 
during his years of service ‘ cannot be measured.” 


39. Charles Rhoads 


Rev. Charles Rhoads, sent in 1888 into Oklahoma and 
Indian Territory, “to lay foundations for future work,” later 
rendered excellent service in Ohio before his appointment to 


[ 329 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Missouri. In the report of his transfer to this new field he 
is characterized as “‘ one of our best workers.” 


40. E. M. Stephenson 


Rev. E. M. Stephenson, D. D., began his work for the 
Society as Sunday-school missionary in Michigan, maintain- 
ing his office in a colportage wagon during several summers. 

In the Annual Report of the Board for 1900 we find this 
entry: 

The Society, believing in promotion of its faithful servants, has appointed 


Rev. E. M. Stephenson, who lias been the Sunday-school missionary of 
Michigan, to be the District Secretary of the Northwest. 


His headquarters during the time of this secretaryship were in 
Chicago. Later he went to Colorado as Sunday-school mis- 
sionary, beginning his work there in 1906, and remaining 
there five years. 

After spending ten years in service in Pennsylvania as 
Sunday-school and young people’s leader, he came to Phila- 
delphia in 1921, to become a member of the headquarters staff 
in the home office. 


41. Wilbert R. Howell 


Rev. Wilbert R. Howell, as missionary-captain of the 
‘Gospel Cruiser Robert G. Seymour,” rendered notable ser- 
vice in two counties composed of islands in Puget Sound. 
‘ Many a lonely family in their isolated homes looked forward 
with eager anticipation to the recurring visits of the missionary 
boat.” 


42. George L. White 


Rev. George L. White, the Publication Society’s repre- 
sentative on the Pacific Coast, is becoming to the West what 
Doctor Spalding was to the East. Mr. White was born 
in Hlinois and educated in the University of Chicago. He 
was ordained in 1900. He has served in pastorates in 


[ 330 ] 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


McCook, Nebraska, and in Harvey, Illinois. He was Super- 
intendent of Missionary Work in Utah and Wyoming from 
1907 to 1911. Then he was made superintendent in the 
Western States, later, a Joint Division Secretary for the Pub- 
lication Society and the Home Mission Society, and now is 
Western Representative of the Publication Society. 


43. Henry Stevenson Washburn 


Although the title ““ Sunday School Secretary ” disappeared 
from the list of officers of the Publication Society after the 
resignation of Doctor Randolph in 1877, the work which had 
been indicated by that title did not lapse. Inthe Report of the 
Board of Managers for 1912, following a statement of the 
Society's responsibility for educational work in connection 
with Sunday schools, we read, “ Until recent years this educa- 
tional work has been done by the Editorial and Book Publish- 
ing Departments.” 

In the light of this statement we cannot be unmindful of 
the inheritance of “ The Young Reaper,’ which came to our 
Society as one of the chief assets of the New England Sab- 
bath School Union. 

Henry Stevenson Washburn, founder of “The Young 
Reaper,’ manufacturer, legislator, poet, was born June 10, 
1813, in Providence, R. I. Through his own exertions he 
received a thorough education at Worcester Academy and 
Brown University. During several years he was Executive 
Agent of the New England Sabbath School Union. For fif- 
teen years he was engaged in the manufacture of wire in 
Worcester. He laid the corner-stone of Mechanic’s Hall in 
that city, and delivered the dedicatory address at its com- 
pletion. In 1852 he declined the nomination for Congress, 
and during the Civil War he was in charge of clothing and 
hospital supplies for the Union Army. For a dozen years 
he was manager of the Shawmut Wire Works in Boston. 
During seventeen years he was a member of the Boston School 


[ 331 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Committee. In 1871-72 he was a member of the Massa- 
chusetts House of Representatives, and in 1873 and 1874 was 
a member of the State Senate. For several years he was 
President of the Union Mutual Life Insurance Company, and 
subsequently traveled in France and Germany in its behalf. 
He is the author of “* [he Vacant Chair, and! Other Poents:~ 
a volume of strong, earnest, and tender poetry, published in 
1895 when he was eighty-two years of age. ‘‘ The Vacant 
Chair ”’ was set to music by G. T. Root in 1861, and since has 
been produced on victrola records with some of Mr. Wash- 
burn’s other poems and songs. 

His poetic work links his name in our thoughts with Dr. 
W. H. Doane, Robert Lowry, Dr. C. R. Blackall, and others 
who have sung their way into the hearts of the constituency 
of the Society. 

Since 1857 the number of Sunday-school publications has 
steadily increased, enlisting the services of a large number of 
able contributors. 


44. Mrs. M. G. Kennedy 
Mrs. M. G. Kennedy, whose connection with the Society 
began in 1875, became widely known by her work in connec- 
tion with Primary and Intermediate Helps, and through other 
contributions from her pen. 


45. Miss May F. McKean 
Miss May F. McKean, succeeding Doctor Blackall as Editor 
of “* Our Little Ones,” in 1883, became known and loved in 
many households. She and a host of others have worked 
steadily supplying needed inspiration and guidance to the 
growing army of pupils, teachers, and officers in Sunday 
schools throughout the country. 


46. Poindexter S. Henson 
Rev. Poindexter S. Henson, D. D., was a writer for the 
Baptist Teacher’ during nearly fifty years, and its Editor 


[ 332 ] 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


during thirty-seven years. He was writing an article for 
the “ Teacher” the day before his death, in April, 1914, at 
eighty-three years of age.’ Born in Virginia, December 7, 
1831, he was graduated with the first class of Richmond Col- | 
lege in 1848. After teaching one year in his native county, 
Fluvanna, he spent two years studying in various departments 
of the University of Virginia, then, in 1851, at twenty years 
of age, became principal of the Milton Classical Institute in 
North Carolina. 

In the two years spent in this position he was studying law 
and editing the * North Carolina Democrat’ in addition to 
teaching. He had been converted in 1846, while a student in 
Richmond College. 

In 1855 he abandoned law and devoted himself to the min- 
istry of the gospel. He was ordained in 1856, and settled 
as pastor of the Fluvanna Church. 

In 1860 he went to Philadelphia. His pastorates there, in 
Chicago, and in Boston, and his varied services rendered the 
denomination and the world by voice and by pen form an 
imperishable part of the history of this time. . 

A platform speaker of unusual gifts, quick and keen in per- 
ception and in expression, no man of his day could more effec- 
tually sway an audience than he with his combined powers of 
logic, wit, and sympathetic appeal. | 


47. Henry G. Weston 


Rev. Henry G. Weston, D. D., LL. D:, President of Crozer 
Theological Seminary, was Editor of the “ Baptist Quarterly ” 
from 1869 to 1877. His scholarly ability gave the ‘‘ Quar- 
terly ’ high rank among church and Sunday-school publica- 
tions. Doctor Weston was an honored member of the Board 
of Managers of the Society from 1868 until his death in 19009, 
a period of more than forty years. 

In 1872-1873 he was President of the Missionary Union. 
From 1859 to 1868 he was an “ active and influential member 


[ 333 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


of the Executive Committee of The American Baptist Home 
Mission Society.”’ 

His creative talent revealed itself not only in connection 
with executive work but in his literary output. He was 
recognized as one of the leading scholars and thinkers of his 
time. He rendered invaluable service not only to the denomi- 
nation but to the world in his exegetical work with Biblical 
material, especially as a translator of the New Testament in 
collaboration with President Alvah Hovey of Newton and 
President John A. Broadus of the Southern Theological 
Seminary. 

Yet, notwithstanding his erudition, his greatness as a 
scholar, freely conceded by all, he is remembered chiefly by 
those who knew him best by his characteristics as a MAN. 

During the forty years of his presidency of Crozer The- 
ological Seminary he gave himself to the students as a father 
gives his best self to his children; but his talent as a teacher 
and inspirer of the noble art of Christian living was not held 
in reserve for theological students only. During fourteen 
years “his Saturday mornings were spent in the classroom ” 
of the Baptist Institute for Christian Work, teaching the New 
Testament. 

Officers of the Institute record, 


The best intellectual treasures of his life-long gathering, the rich graces 
of his consecrated personality, as given at Crozer Seminary and at North- 
field, were not held too costly to be dispensed with equal fulness in our 
small classroom to its group of girl learners. : 


His companionship was not reserved exclusively for stu- 
dents of any class or school. He knew the conductors and the 
motormen of the street-cars in Upland. He knew the chil- 
dren in the streets, and they loved him. 

The character which steadily grew and matured during the 
eighty-nine years of his life in this world had been enriched 
by a great variety of experiences. Born in Lynn, Massa- 


[ 334 ] 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


chusetts, in 1820, of good New England stock, baptized at 
fourteen years of age, he entered Brown University at six- 
teen and graduated in 1840. In 1842 he graduated from 
Newton Theological Institution. 

To those who remember his robust physique it will be inter- 
esting to know that at this period of his life 
he had developed alarming symptoms of consumption, and physicians 
gave little hope of recovery. As the course that promised best, he went 
to Kentucky, where in a dryer climate he could live an open-air life... 


He recovered his health, and was never again sick until his last brief 
illness, 


sixty-seven years later. 

In 1843, the year following his graduation from Newton, 
he was ordained to the ministry in Frankfort, Kentucky. He 
spent three years as a missionary in Illinois, preaching “ in 
school-houses and barns, and wherever an audience could be 
gathered.” In 1846 he became pastor of the Baptist church 
in Peoria at a salary of three hundred dollars a year, part of 
which was paid by the Home Mission Society. 

Here he remained for thirteen years, building up one of the strongest 


churches in the State, and making himself felt in all the denominational 
enterprises of that time. 


In 1859 he was called to the pastorate of the Oliver Street 
Church of New York and continued in that pastorate until he 
went to Crozer Theological Seminary in 1868. 

President John Howard Harris said of him: 


Like his Master, Doctor Weston went into the next towns and preached 
there, whether the center of his activity was at Peoria, New York City, 
or Upland. 

In the churches of Delaware County, of Philadelphia, of New Jersey and 
Pennsylvania, of New York and Maryland, of New England and the South, 
and of the Middle West, his was a figure familiar to many a pulpit, to 
many an Association, to many a Biblical assembly, and wherever he came, 
his mere presence was an inspiration. 


The Ministers’ Conference of Philadelphia recorded of him: 


[ 335 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Living in our sight he never failed to help and cheer and inspire; living 
now out of our sight he still speaks and will speak until we, as he has 
done, shall enter into rest. 


48. Christopher Rubey Blackall 


The record of Christopher Rubey Blackall, D. D., spans a 
greater number of years of active service for the Publication 
Society than that of any other man. Huis invaluable little 
hand-book, ““ A Story of Six Decades,” reveals his acquain- 
tance with the history of the work from its beginning. In 
1882 he was called to Philadelphia to become Editor of the 
Society’s Sunday School Periodicals, remaining in this service 
until December 1, 1916, when he asked to be relieved of the 
duties of his office in order that he might give himself unre- 
servedly to preparing a history of the Sunday-school move- 
ment in America. His request was granted, and at the time 
of his retirement he was elected Editor Emeritus for life. 
He died in Philadelphia, January 25, 1924. 

Doctor Blackall was born in Albany, September 18, 1830. 
He was educated for the medical profession and was Assistant 
Surgeon of the Thirty-third Regiment of Wisconsin Volun- 
teers in the early part of the Civil War. He abandoned medi- 
cine in I&64. 

In 1865 with B. F. Jacobs, William Reynolds, D. L. Moody, 
John H. Vincent, and others he was actively interested in Chi- 
cago in the Cook County Sunday School Union of which he 
was Secretary. In 1866 he became Superintendent of the 
Union and Editor of the “ National Sunday School Teacher.”’ 
In 1867 he became District and Sunday School Secretary of 
The American Baptist Publication Society for the Northwest. 
In the first ten months of that service he opened correspon- 
dence with every Baptist church and school in the district. 

Early in the following year, largely as a result of Doctor 
Blackall’s initiative, Doctor Rowland’s ‘‘ Bible Lessons from 
the Pentateuch” were issued by the Publication Society and 


[ 336 | 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


met immediate welcome from teachers and pupils. ‘ Four- 
teen Lessons on the Lord’s Prayer, Ilustrated,’’ were pub- 
lished on his suggestion. In 1869 when the Society opened 
a branch office in Chicago, Doctor Blackall was made its 
Manager. In 1873 he became Editor of “ Our Little Ones.” 
In 1879 he was transferred to New York to become Manager 
of the New York office. He filled that position until his re- 
moval to Philadelphia to become Editor-in-chief of Sunday 
~ School Periodicals in 1882. When he retired from the edi- 
torial office in 1916, it was said that all but seven or nine of 
the thirty-three periodicals being issued by the Society at 
that time were begun under his supervision and largely by his 
initiative. 

Doctor Blackall, during all the years of his service, could 
not grow old because he was continually growing. 

In addition to his editorial service he was making notable 
contributions to Sunday-school literature as an author of 
hymns, cantatas, Bible stories, and books on practical work. 

His appreciation of the importance of adapting to the grow- 
ing ideals of modern educational life was manifested in his 
advocacy of a system of graded lessons for the Sunday school 
when the time came for that development, although he had 
been one of the strong advocates of uniform lessons in the late 
sixties and early seventies, when even that system marked a 
great advance from the chaotic conditions of preceding years. 
His comment on the graded lessons when they were produced 
was, “ No claim is made of their absolute perfection, hence 
modifications are likely to be made, but there will be no retro- 
gression.’ He was named our “ Grand Old Sunday-School 
Man ”’ as well as “ The Dean of All Sunday-school Editors ”’ 
and preeminently the “ World’s Sunday-school Statesman.” 

Attention has been called to his ‘immense vitality which 
is ever a source of wonder, not less than his breadth and large- 
ness of heart.” One of his coworkers in the editorial office 
in the time of his executive activity says of him: 


[ 337 ] 


‘ 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Surrounded by timid critics on one side, who as zealous Baptists owned 
the Society, and by the insistent tide of widening knowledge on the other, 
which threatened the Society’s prestige, Doctor Blackall wisely maintained 
the balance in Sunday-school teaching between trembling safety, which is 
ineffective platitude, and straying audacity, which is wandering from the 
dauntless safety of true exegesis. .. Vigorous, enthusiastic, decided, genial, 
he seemed to be on fire for the Sunday-school work. 


Another said of him: 


He has been a tower of strength all these many years. It has been no 
easy task to keep in the channel of usefulness amid the drifting tides of 
change. 


One closely associated with him said on his ninetieth birthday : 


He has the spirit,,optimism, and enthusiasm of youth. Any one who has 
enjoyed his friendship or who has been associated with him in any kind 
of work cannot see an old man, but a virile, strong, modern man of today. 
. . Hail to the Nestor of the Sunday-school world, with his stalwart and 
sturdy personality. He was a pioneer with a “punch.” He drove ahead, 
made progress, made friends, made a few enemies, made some mistakes of 
course, but always kept driving. . . Doctor Blackall is a man of rare> 
spiritual vision, keen intellect, courageous, fearlessly defending what he 
believes to be right. 


With his passing at the unusual age of ninety-three years 
and four months, there was loosed the last living link with 
the headquarters staff of nearly two generations ago. 


49. Howard Malcom 


In scanning the creative work of the century one is im- 
pressed by the number and variety of gifts which have con- 
tributed to the sum total of results. Sometimes the sounding 
of a clarion call like that of Dr. Howard Malcom at the 
annual meeting in 1853 has aroused the whole constituency to 
new effort. 

Key. Howard Malcom, D. D., LL. D., had been baptized 
by Doctor Staughton in the Sansom Street Church of Phila- 
delphia in 1816 when he was seventeen years of age and was 
licensed to preach in the following year. 


[ 338 ] 


Li 
Mh 
Yh 





HOWARD MALCOLM, D.D. 
Vice-president, 1851-1854 



















f wis W eeite 
¥ eh 
ve se eat) 
+ aa at hae : 
ry i Milles 4 
a hela) FT ives . ( u 
e i ae : va i 
| Le ET aN ea 
Vas deo Fe ERE sith Berohan ye 
en aan HI pet ae 
oF Nhe Fu pe ” Se f cate 
siva Af { a ee 
1 Sure | yf a ity y. ry re yo © 
\ i ; : is een! af ; 
. } fly ® A“ ee . 
bh gt er SUN LES eS Pe 
ae 748 Ls te , <s, 7 y : 
“EA SUA Ta cael a 
i i} u4 " i as in] , pF 
is, ~ j iA eat re 7 ‘/ 
* ‘ wel +, - LT 
th a . a 
14 Teh Oe Paes 
as ete Vee 
+ PD bs "J i. 
22 CV AN a : Ts, . 
P , - , i= 
he eu 
‘ un | 
‘i uf ute a’ Pm 
Aba 
1 iif . th 
hye a yy 
/ t it ¥ i = t 
q 4 ws 
‘ ¥ 4 LAY ee 
= ! 4, Ae 5 A 
. ; - ( ifsc wor ee 
‘ d ia ‘ ‘ , ~ rh 1s ae | of 4q 
‘ i ' 4 a eee 2 
P y, y BY 
’ ; ne eau hs oe 
{ > i psi wi . 7. es: : Mi} $7 7 ry 
sy Ya? vr it fh: i ‘v, . Py RaMe f(s cutees 
1 Ta : 9 7 ae eX 
4 pd x 7 2 «3 ‘> ' 
: 
- | , i - 
‘ 
4 pi aati ‘ 
a 
“« é 
Yo 
7 
\ a oe 
y re ; ; 
2 ‘ 
f- 
{ ‘ 
kr 
i 
‘ 
i = ‘ is 2 
i 7 
; : 4 
‘ 
1 5 ‘ 
i ui i a 
4 ie A 
“sy : 
‘a ¢ 
: 4 ¢ 
4 + 
‘ \ ‘ ve oe 
ee a) ’ ve oT aeal ps 
‘ F on bat ‘ 7 
5 
t. . + 
rita 
Sy y 
' | 
per 4 ‘Goa ‘ ; 
( : \ 4! 
a 
; - 
ine hee - 
é 
* i 5 











Foe, Wi ey i) 
- i Won es 
i : : ¥ ¢ 4 * 
\¥ 4 i ‘ 
d - 
| . ii“ . . pip 
; et Pe bd * 
Hm : aad Me dp 
, aa . SNES, ae ha As Paine hy! 
COS 4 AE AED eee 2 A a aa 
io _ ba ol ) ae 7 : 
: Fi ee \ Pe 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


He was elected a member of the Board of Managers of the 
Tract Society at the third annual meeting held in Philadelphia 
in 1827 and reelected to that office in 1850. He was twice 
elected Vice-president of the Society, serving in the later 
period from 1851 to 1854. During six years he was pastor 
of the Baptist church in Hudson, New York, which later be- 
came a center for the strong movement in favor of enlarging 
the work of the Tract Society and which resulted in its re- 
organization as The American Baptist Publication Society and 
its taking over the work of the New England Sabbath School 
Union. 

Doctor Malcom became the first General Agent of the 
American Sunday School Union and served in that capacity 
nearly two years, visiting the principal cities in the country 
to awaken popular interest in Sunday-school work. 

In 1835 he was appointed by the Triennial Convention to 
visit foreign-mission stations and spent two and a half years 
under that commission. 

After two years in the Presidency of Georgetown College 
he became pastor of the Sansom Street Church in Philadel- 
phia. 

In 1851 he resigned the pastorate to become President of 
the University at Lewisburg. 

For many years he was President of The American Baptist 
Historical Society. 

He was well known in the literary world both as an author 
and as editor of standard works including “ Law’s Call,” 
“The Imitation of Christ,” by Thomas a Kempis, and Butler’s 
“ Analogy.” 


50. Joseph H. Kennard 


Sometimes the steady persistent service of a genial person- 
ality is needed to supplement effectively the versatile gifts of 
prominent workers. A name which comes to mind instantly 
in this connection is that of Joseph H. Kennard, D. D. 


[ 339 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Doctor Kennard was elected a member of the Board of 
Managers in 1827. He was Vice-president of the Society 
from 1837 to 1843 and President from 1844 to 1854. In 
1855 he again was elected Vice-president and served in that 
capacity until 1866. He served also as Chairman of the 
Board in 1856, and from 1858 to 1860, and was reelected to 
that office again in 1866 to succeed Mr. John P. Crozer. He 
lived to preside at only one meeting of the Board, then sud- 
denly passed from earth. 

Doctor Kennard’s period of service included those strenuous 
years of the secretarial work of John Mason Peck and of his 
successor, Thomas S. Malcom, and later, of Doctor Shadrach. 

After his death the Board recorded of him that he was 
ever ready for labor, ever wise in council, and ever earnest in prayer. 


. . He made the Society’s interests his own and in every way sought to 
further them. 


His loss was deeply deplored. 
Of other Presidents who have rendered large service to the 
Society we find special record of 


51. William T. Brantly 


Doctor Brantly was President from 18320 to 1837. In that 
troubled period following the death of Noah Davis, when the 
very existence of the Society trembled in the balance, President 
Brantly gave himself unweariedly to the work, cooperating in 
every possible way with the new Agent, Rev. Ira M.° Allen, 
to secure support, both moral and financial, for the undertak- 
ings imperatively demanded at that time. 


52. James L. Howard 


The Hon. James L. Howard, of Connecticut, President in 
the Jubilee Period from 1873 to 1877, was a generous con- 
tributor not only of money but of time and talent, not only 
through the years of his presidency but to the end of his life. 


[ 340 ] 





GILBERT N. BRINK, D.D. 


Corresponding Secretary of the Society 
and General Secretary of the Board 


iI Ti! 
j aH Hb 


; | aa\} rl rt, 
— peat 


ae 





EXTENSION WORKMEN 





53. Samuel A. Crozer 


One family name, “ Crozer,” has not been absent from the 
list of men rendering official service in any year since 1850. 
It was in 1851 that John Price Crozer was elected Manager 
and Vice-president, 

Samuel A. Crozer was elected to the Board of Managers 
in 1862. In 1866 he was made Vice-president. He was 
elected President in 1878 and again in 1885, serving faithfully 
in that office during twenty-five years, and as a Member of the 
Board of Managers during forty-nine years, and as Chair- 
man of the Board from 1872 to 1876, and from 1890 to 1912. 

Mr. Crozer was said to have inherited a large portion of 
his father’s earnest and conscientious spirit, but his spirit 
found his own way of self-expression. 

Mr. Crozer had creative power. He left nothing as he found it. His 
use of money in promoting religious and philanthropic work attest spiritual 
imagination that sees the invisible in regenerated characters. . . He was 
not satisfied in merely giving money for the erection of buildings, although 
he gave hundreds of thousands of dollars for buildings; he gave himself 


in thought, and time, and labor in helping lives to reach larger propor- 
tions. 


Fie was President-of the Board of Trustees of Crozer 
Theological Seminary. 

Not only did he give generously to needy students in prepa- 
ration for the ministry, he helped in. providing funds for 
worthy projects which they initiated in churches to which 
they ministered. He contributed funds for the Extension 
Course of Study established for the benefit of pastors who 
had not received theological training. Finding’ that some 
pastors were unable to buy the books required for this course, 
he gave a check for $10,000, with a note saying, ‘‘ No pastor 
must be denied the privilege of study for lack of books.” 

From 1865 to 1910 he was Superintendent of the Bible school in his 


home church in Upland. He considered this as the most influential and 
honorable of all the positions of trust ever occupied by him. 


[ 341 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








He was President of the Board of Directors of the Penn- 
sylvania Training School for Feeble-minded Children, accept- 
ing the office when seventy-eight years of age, at a time of life 
when one might naturally be declining such responsibilities. 

He led a strenuous life to the last. He was asmansot 
marked business talent. ‘‘ His factories operated continu- 
ously. Even in 1907 and 1908 his employees had steady 
work.” His thoughtful interest in their welfare and in the 
welfare of their families is remembered gratefully by them 
today. 


54. William Howard Doane 


Dr. William Howard Doane was the immediate successor 
of Mr. Samuel Crozer in the Presidency of the Society in 
1912, and was made Honorary President for Life. 

From the time of his conversion at sixteen years of age he 
was an active worker in the Sunday school. In early life he 
began musical composition. His first book, ““ Sabbath School 
Gems,” was published in 1862. This was followed by “ Little 
Sunbeams,’ “Silver Spray,’ and “Songs of Devotion.” 
Working in cooperation with Dr. Robert Lowry and others, 
he greatly enlarged the list in later years. 

Among his songs which are popular today are “ The old, 
Old Story,’ “ More Like Jesus,” ~ Neansthe sroscuaene 
“What Shall the Harvest Be?” 


55. W. G. Brimson 


Mr. Brimson will long be remembered as presiding officer 
during the time of negotiations which resulted in closer co- 
operation between The American Baptist Publication Society 
and The American Baptist Home Mission Society. He served 
as President of the Society in 1919, as Vice-president from 
1904 to 1910, and as a member of the Board of Managers in 
1918. A business man with wide experience in railroad mat- 
ters, he has rendered long and very valuable service to the 


[ 342 ] 





WILLIAM H. MAIN, D.D. 


Recording Secretary of the Society 
and Associate General Secretary of the Board 


Se yt saan 


ha liae nee 







it 
higeay v4 § 5 
i ry \ i) ; 4 
i 4 pO ye = 3 
b, iif f * 
ie a A . 
if} J, y Ff , ‘ ' ay 
c \ : 1 [ iN VEL | , a ‘ ch eet . . 
ie ; of ee ae a a oe oe 
i ¥e nh wm,’ iv 7 WL, Oke ey 
' De ie . 4 ae weit - 
1 “7 .] L A } 


i‘ ' 
j ri 
J ik | F 
a) 
Va ae , 
Ce Be € “ 
‘Mel ie J 
as fil 
: : : te 
SWtT rae 
WT 
eit im 
Hebi 
14} dvi 
‘ i] - " 
' 
, { 
> in ' 
Wy 4 
ft 
g 
‘ + 
) - 
; 
° ‘ 
j 
4 
’ 
‘ 
{ee : 
i -* 
+ 
i\ 
« 
‘ 
i. 
; 
! 
i 
‘ 
; ‘ 
: 
\ 
of » 
v a 
{ 
M4 ce — 
> ; 
we . 
J ~ ’ 
3 ’ 
4 7 i ‘i 
' «- 
j 
, my 
bea , 
r ' 
! - \ 






¥ j . 4 
"A: AA } 
\) ‘ eer 
‘taal 
: : ‘ ai *y 
0 Dt ‘" a 
j i a, bs 
4 4 ¥ iL é 
. . . ; i" wy aye t 
; a, ia 
: A ee ; 
' ‘ ry, rie Rate une oh ; 
- : vee ad se - ot 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


denomination as Transportation Manager of the Northern 
Baptist Convention. | 


56. Frank H. Robinson 


Mr. Robinson belongs to that group of laymen to whom 
business means the service of Christ. Active in city and State 
denominational affairs, he has not stinted the devotion of time 
and thought to the Society's work. He has been a member of 
the Board of Managers since 1917, and served as President of 
ieecocieryi 1020. sinway, 1916; in a Stave emergency, 
the Board selected Mr. Robinson to serve as Corresponding 
Secretary pro tem., and at the close of the period recorded 
of him that 
at great sacrifice of time and energy, and with no pecuniary reward, he 


served during six months with wisdom, fidelity, whole-hearted devotion, 
and large ability. 


57. Ernest Leigh Tustin 


By a wise provision of the laws of Pennsylvania, under 
which the Society was chartered in 1845, it is necessary that a 
majority of the members of the Board of Managers shall be 
laymen, residents of the State. Not a few of the men who 
have been members of the Board have been citizens of Phila- 
delphia. Conspicuous among their names is that of Ernest 
Leigh Tustin, LL. D. Mr. Tustin gave to the Society more 
than twenty-five years of unstinted service, becoming a mem- 
ber of the Board in 1896, and continuing in that relation until 
his death in December, 1921. In 1908 he was elected a mem- 
ber of the Executive Committee of the Board. In roto he 
became the Society’s legal adviser, succeeding Mr. J. Howard 
Gendell, and generously gave the Society, as he gave other 
denominational organizations of which he became counsel, the 
benefit of his fine best in legal care for its interests without 
remuneration except for the deep satisfaction he had in having 
a part in this service with his brethren and his Master. It 


[ 343 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


fell to him to help steady the fortunes of the Society in some 
seasons of severe crisis. Deeply concerned for the good of his 
city, he accepted a high office in the public welfare service, and 
took upon himself a burden of responsibility, not simply for 
classes and masses, but for persons, especially the stranger, the 
foreigner, giving free legal advice to many who came to him 
in their perplexities. Northern Baptists who attended the 
session of the Northern Baptist Convention at Des Moines in 
1921 will remember the fine spirit and wise control of Mr. 
Tustin who, presiding over the meetings of this national 
organization in a time of disturbing theological debate, sought 
ever the things that make for brotherly unity and strength in 
the denomination’s work. Such was the measure of the man 
concerning whom the Board, lamenting their loss at his de- 
parture, recorded itself as rejoicing 

for the large heart and the generous hand, the able mind, the fraternal 
spirit, and the finely matured manhood of this busy Christian, who amid 
the multitude of engagements as a lawyer, a citizen, a holder of important 


public office, was so wisely willing to invest the capital of his personality 
in the interest of the kingdom of God. 


58. Jacob Garrett Walker 

In the Society's employ is place for men with a wide diver- 
sity of gifts, for brains keen to plan and for hands capable of 
works of strength and skill, for masters in executive position 
and for those who can control a host of details, for makers 
and for writers of history. A master of detail, a doer and a 
recorder of Christian deeds, was Jacob Garrett Walker, D. D., 
Pastor of the Mantua Baptist Church, of Philadelphia, nearly 
forty-two years, Recording Secretary of the Publication 
Society for eighteen years, Recording Secretary of the Board 
during twenty-six years, and Editor of the American Baptist 
Year-Book for more than thirty years. (1872-1884, 1897- 
1915.) This statement in itself suffices to tell the nature of 
the man whom his brethren found “ faithful to every obliga- 
tion and true to every trust.” 


[ 344 J 





W. H. Getstweit, D.-D. Hon. Levi S. CHapmMan C. N. ArsBuckte, D. D. 
President Vice-President Vice-President 
Ohio New York Massachusetts 





GEORGE L. ESTABROOK 
Treasurer 
Pennsylvania 





Dr. J. P. Crozer GRIFFITH JosepH E. SAGEBEER, Ph.D. Harry BAINBRIDGE 
Chairman of the. Board General Counsel Pennsylvania 
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 


OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 
In 1924 









7 nets CPAP i a - ry 4 
i { RS wy s Pe 
5 7 a 9 
PORTO MIA. Ata ok Bok Sarna, Ara. y 
ah, rt CORAL HA Net haalie “ en Se ae ey 
ii is + ia ; , R ¥, 
H * . La hs 
ify ¥ by Mane ‘ = 
Mshiast th A : a 8) 
eur 4 Live t f : 
j | iat 4 ; A ‘ 
é ai ive ‘a rt é 
‘ H ; hh - . \ A ‘ * 
‘ pile ion a4. « 9 j ye! 
* \ « Taw UA Mae ag oT i jl AA bon abe |) 
: , ‘ ; WO. ae 
1) GTRASG; My! “aged he 
i ‘ Tiare ee, Ve eh & Oo : ¥, 
' a aU Ni hte nr a vig q 
6 pistes | 4 | i " e 
; Te Pek ' 
vey ‘ ; 
4 7 i bald af ak aad ee 
| g . t\ :) ey y od, J 
y Ly Vy Y , =e af Wn) Oe 
’ #) ‘ 
My) : ui Dy i poh ve { , ~ n 
ay i H ' t * ye i. > Si 
nh wt . ; ; A a rs 
Fide fold | | a art , 
J Ap fet Ot ' ane | 
} ' { * Be 
. j iy : : hie oF oe ’ 
P PAS, ‘ - J . ty 
if y “4 ™ 
y - 
r ; fi } Pid ee at Patiyee : 
F 4 4 
yy a i ! v, ' 
’ } y ' 
i Pe ' 4 
i - Ws ‘ ’ . 
Hi he 
y 2 hT) ' 
4 i 
a i . - 
/ } “4 4 
Pie 
i j 7 § ‘oe, 
: it 
~zi i Salt hl ia ; 
rv y ip 
i ” 
, » 
5 , F 
‘ 
, - 
as ag @ 
Ey Pills 
aa wy 
ad a 
b. i - =: ' 
+ | ; 4 im) 
' 
i 
{ 2 Fi \ aie 
E , a. 
ay 
’ 9 7 7 * 
lot | 4 } 
4 rs 
of Em 7 
; . 
- 74 é oa) 
=e j : we 
‘ 
rf 3 ; 
4 ; ‘ 
‘ ‘ .. ; 
_ oot : “a sé 
; du. 
i ? fs 
} ‘ @ 4 ius 2 
i ‘ 3 ’ ' 
b « 
: z ¢ ; : ‘ , 
: ge Sed 
j " ; d _ve 
j j ‘ * ‘ ; dts aa 
iW sf 4 J 
) aut. ae 
i bo aw ¥ 
i title i ; r 
t rn ¥ \ & 
5 i ; L ' ; Me had 
; : , Tee 1 Fi fi 2 a) 
* ‘ y 
; ees " 4 ; 
' ‘ Shea | Ti 
: ‘ : t , o. > i 
; > j re “4° 
« ah } (? i wae 
p Tye tyecunane § NP bar 
‘2 PA 4 Ji 






» "4 Os : pce ’ 7 
¢? are ae + a ee 
7 s f ; i 4 ‘y 7 


EXTENSION WORKMEN 


59. William Williams Keen 


Again and again in reading the story of dark days in the 
history of the hundred years we have found the proud record, 
“ By the blessing of God, not a note has been protested, nor 
a promise dishonored.” Is it so well known that this “ bless- 
ing of God ” was made available through the almost incredible 
work of quiet, patient, earnest men, presiding over the 
treasury, enlisting contributors, guarding investments, regu- 
lating expenditures? ‘The Society’s honor has been kept by 
honorable, generous men. 

Among the names of unsalaried officers who have served the 
Society that of William Williams Keen has a noble eminence. 
Mr. Keen came of stock remarkable for robust religion that 
expressed itself in characters of integrity and generosity, and 
the best family traditions were exemplified in his own life. 
Born in Tacony, near Philadelphia, in 1797, he was associated 
with his father in business at the age of nineteen, and became 
himself one of the most prominent men in his branch of trade 
—the wholesale leather business. He was devoted to his 
church, the old First Church, of Philadelphia, to which he 
was bound by family as well as by personal ties, his father 
having been a deacon for nearly twenty-two years, and his 
brothers also serving, the one as deacon, the other as trustee, 
for long periods. He too became trustee and deacon, and 
proved in financial crises the great measure of sacrifice he was 
willing to make, at one time selling his horses and carriages, 
curtailing family expenses in every direction, often at personal 
discomfort, and making his garden and his grapery aid in the 
work of building the Lord’s house. When he retired from 
business in 1851 he resolved never to lay up another dollar. 
Frequently he gave away more than half his income. Such 
was the caliber of the man whom the Society was able to call 
to serve as treasurer from 1837 to 1855, in the days of its 
weakness, when it struggled along without endowment, with- 


[ 345 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


out any adequate income, rich only in opportunities for work 
and in the hearts and hands of officers and workers, such as 
Mr. Keen, who made the Society their cherished field of larger 
denominational. service. With time and money, as with 
counsel and cheer, he stood ready to help in those years of 
trial, drawing largely on his own private funds to maintain 
the credit of the Society. Moreover, facing urgent needs in 
the work, he withdrew from his will the bequest of $5,000 
which he had made payable to the Society on his death, and 
gave the amount in yearly instalments while he lived. After 
retiring from the treasurership he served as vice-president 
in 1856 and 1857, and from 1859 to 1865, and as a member 
of the Board of Managers from 1866 to 1871. 


60. Harry S. Hopper. 


Another Pennsylvania layman remarkable for long, faithful 
service was Mr. Harry S. Hopper, for thirty-four- years a 
member of the Board, and for fifteen years treasurer of the 
Society. A sincere Christian, humble in spirit, loving toward 
others, much beloved, courteous and gentle always, with broad 
sympathies and a generous hand, never forgetful of the little 
wayside kindnesses he might minister, but seeing and planning 
and doing larger works to bring in the kingdom, Mr. Hopper 
was prized as much for his character as for any contribution 
he might make of deed or gift. His deeds and gifts were in 
accord with his nature, friendly, unostentatious, generous. His 
community, his church, the Publication Society, and indeed 
all Christian interests at home and abroad were matters of 
daily concern to him. To have such a man on the Board for 
so many consecutive years was in itself a help of inestimable 
value to the Society. As the Board recorded on its minutes 
when informed of his passing in January, 1918: 

To his faithful and gratuitous labor on the Executive and Missionary 


Committees, and as Chairman of the Finance Committee, much of the 
present strength and condition of the Society is due. Not only did he 


[ 346 | 





WERRETT W. Cuarters, Ph.D. JoHN W. CLEGG Henry F. Coie 
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 





E. B. CoLLMER E. Leroy Dakin, D. D. H. BoarpMAN HopPper 
Pennsylvania New York Pennsylvania 





Gove G. Jounson, D. D. Harry L. JENKINS ALBERT G. Lawson, D. D. 
District of Columbia Pennsylvania New York 


MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 
In 1924 


ee E 
eth) 


. ice . 
lef ie 
aes 






<¢ ahs : 






EXTENSION WORKMEN 


contribute generously of his time and substance, but he was also instru- 
mental in securing contributions from others, and followed his contribu- 
tions with his prayers and deep personal interest in all the workers in the 


field. 
61. Veterans of the Service 


Of not a few officers and others connected with the Society’s 
work who served for many years, extended mention has 
already been made. It is no small proof of the worth of these 
men in technical ability and in character that for such long 
periods they continued at their posts of labor. 
Mr. Hiram F. Reed, described by Dr. P. L. Jones as 

the presiding genius of all the mechanical processes of book- and 
pamphlet-making, . . entered the employ of the Society in 1852, starting its 


first printing-office at 530 Arch Street, and continuing in charge until his 
death in 1899. 


His work as superintendent of the printing-plant was so essen- 
tially a labor of love that his familiarity with the details of 
the Society's operations enabled him to be of large service to 
those engaged in other phases of the common task of creating 
and sending forth Christian literature for the world. His 
faithful service of forty-seven years has been equaled by few 
but is worthy of emulation by many; and the fine tradition of 
loyalty to which he contributed has been maintained by men 
who have succeeded him as well as by his colaborers in other 
departments. 

For nearly forty years Mr. George H. Springer was Man- 
ager of the Society’s Boston Branch, and rendered invaluable 
service in that connection until his death in 1908. 

Mr. Harry Windisch, Superintendent of the Periodical Mail 
Order Department was mentioned in 1922 as beginning his 
forty-second year of continuous service. Mr. Hilmar 
Schneider has spent over forty-one years in positions of in- 
creasing responsibility, and now occupies a very high place of 
duty and trust as Superintendent of the Printing-house, in the 
honorable succession of Mr. Hiram F. Reed and Mr. Joseph 


[ 347 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


C. Kauffman, both of whom interpreted their work for the 
Society as Christian service. Mr. W. L. Broomell, now in 
charge of the Periodical Shipping Department, entered the 
Society’s employ in 1882, and Mr. Thomas J. Stratton, the 
present head of the Merchandise Shipping Department, has 
served with recognized fidelity since 1898. 

In 1923 the Business Manager made report that, 


There are in all thirty persons who have been in the Society’s employ 


a total of twenty-five to forty years each. Such long terms with the 
Society are the finest evidence of loyal service. 


[ 348 | 





H. Kinc MacFarlane Rost. F. Y. Pierce, D.D. Joun D. RHOADES 
Pennsylvania New York Ohio 











FrANK H. ROBINSON W. Quay Rosse te, Ph. D. Levi L. RvE 
Pennsylvania Massachusetts Pennsylvania 





R. W. Swetianp, LL. D. Epwarp L. TAyLor SmitH G. YOUNG 
New Jersey Pennsylvania Michigan 


MEMBERS OF THE BOARD 
In 1924 










\e Oa) 
‘ 
‘ 
<a 
rN 
i 
in 
ye 
War 
1 
‘ 
} 
! 
! 
ee 
‘. 
} 
t 
s 
‘ 
' 
a: 
1 
dio 
q t 
\ 
b s 7 a J 
Wel os Sn eae 
if . Me eee ae ahs 
over ee | oe eae 
} J Wes dl rq Pea 
; Cen boa v) 
nit ne reas aes ik Oa 
: i AO oe oh 
hater g a a 
| A er ete tay 
1 7 V pa 
¥ ' 
t 
f 
; 
a 
: 
; 
iit 


Vv 


NGC Es ee Dou elven) DVeh IDE 


62. Unrecorded Friends 


From the beginning the Society has been rich in members 
who have been ready, regardless of office or title, to contribute 
time, talent, and vitality for promoting the work. Any at- 
tempt at enumerating them would be doomed to failure. They 
are innumerable and invaluable as constituent elements of the 
Society’s wealth. 

“A circular to the Female Friends of the Baptist Tract 
Society’ was issued in January, 1834, setting forth that the 
Society's need of a “ Tract House” has “ become a serious 
obstacle to its advancement.” 

The circular continues: 

For the rent of a room for a General Depository alone, we are obliged 
to pay about three hundred dollars a year; while our printing and binding 


are hired out to persons living in different parts of the city, who are not 
particularly interested in the concern. 


The circular adds this ingratiating statement : 


From the interest you have felt in this department of benevolence, as 
evinced by your persevering efforts and distinguished liberality (by which, 
indeed, the Society has been chiefly supported), we can appeal to you with 
confidence. 


Little record seems to have been made of those “ female 
friends ” by whose efforts “‘ the Society had been chiefly sup- 
ported ” during the first ten years of its existence. 

Of the twenty-five persons who responded to the general 
call for a meeting to organize the Society in Washington in 
1824, seven were women. ‘The first bequest to the Society 
was from a woman. The contribution of a woman, Mrs. 


[ 349 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Gillison, of Philadelphia, who afterward became Mrs. Heman 
Lincoln, secured the conditional gift of $500 offered by 
Nathaniel R. Cobb, of Boston, soon after the removal of the 
Society's headquarters to Philadelphia. 

The first Baptist Sunday school in Philadelphia was organ- 
ized by ‘‘ three female members of the First Baptist Church, 
IndoLs5.. 


63. Leading Women 


Mrs. J. P. Crozer, Mrs. BENJAMIN GRIFFITH, MRs. 
SARAH TREVOR, and a multitude of others who have contrib- 
uted money, have been women capable of large contributions 
of other talents. Mrs. Elizabeth Crozer Griffith, wife of Dr. 
Benjamin Griffith, was the inspiring genius of the Baptist 
Orphanage at Angora, of whose Board of Managers she was 
president during many years. Under her guidance hundreds 
‘of children were ‘“ nurtured with parental care, and led into 
lives of promise and usefulness.” One woman, Mrs. 
CHARLES H. BANEs, was a member of the Board of Managers 
from 1900 to 1909. Another, Miss GRACE DICKERSON, was 
elected a member in 1913. Other women, more than a few, 
have made their contribution through the channel of literature. 

In these later days the number of qualified women engaged 
as leaders in the Society's educational work has been increased 
by such workers as Miss Nan F. Weeks, the “ Children’s 
Editor,’ Miss ANNA EpirH Mevers, Editor of. “ World- 
Wide,” formerly of the staff of the “‘ Ladies’ Home Journal,” 
Miss Etta B. WEAVER, and Miss Myrtie M. Love, Sunday 
School Advisors, Miss MEME Brockway, Director of the 
Children’s Work Division of the Department of Religious 
Education, and author of “ Church Work with Juniors,” Mrs. 
ELizABETH M. Finn, Special Field Worker for Religious 
Education, Miss OLtve Crozer RicuHarps, writer of ‘‘ The 
Mlustrated Missionary News,” and Miss NATHANA L. CLyDkE, 
A. B., B. D., Editor of Training Publications. Miss Clyde 


[ 350 | 










Harvey E. CressMANn D. G. Stevens, Ph. D. E. L. Rutu 
Business Manager Book Editor Assistant Treasurer 








W. E. Rarrety, Ph.D. Owen C. Brown, D.D. cei WALEACE se bsct 1), 


Editor-in-Chief Editor Adult Editor Young Peo- 
S, S. Publications Publications ple’s Publications 











Miss A. E. MEYERS Miss Nan F. WEEKS Miss N. L. Criype 


Missionary Editor Editor Children’s Editor Training 
Publications Publications 








Rev. J. E. REED HILMAR SCHNEIDER J. W. CLINGER 


Asst. Editor Adult Superintendent Advertising 
Publications Printing House Manager 


PERSONNEL OF THE BUSINESS DEPARTMENT 
In 1924 


| 
= 
i 
a 
{ 
| 
iP, 
* 
: 
s 
A ber] 
> ~—-\9 
a yee eA 4 \. 
: aS ' 
Msety.) | 
“eS ye ' 
ae - eh 
ale ‘ 
Ww ? 
7 ' 
i : ) 
7 1° ee i‘ 
re ion i” i a) 


tiny 


(} Miites ge 


hil 1 ! ya! an 
; : a i : 
Heat ou | ' % 
Aa | Per 4 ‘ 
‘k Ha fu} ¥} 
f 
| fi ! 
7 f ; fyi 
aus Hi) ae 
\ hi 





as 


1 Wie 


' 
aa] 
! 
a 
ty 

=? 
as 

F an 





ON THE CENTURY DIVIDE 


is a graduate of the University of Kansas, Phi Beta Kappa honor student, 
and also a graduate of the Kansas City Baptist Theological Seminary, with 
first honors of her class. 


If time and space would permit mention of all who have 
served nobly in the century now closing we should have an 
enumeration not less impressive than that given in the letter 
to the Hebrews. 


64. Pioneers of Today 


Facing the new century we may say with Doctor Blackall, 
‘“ Modifications are likely to be made” in the methods of 
work, but “there will be no retrogression.” 

The list of Officers of the Board published in 1923, the 
closing year of the old century, begins with J. P. Crozer 
GrirFITH, M. D., Chairman. No man could be better quali- 
fied by heredity, birth, and training than this “ beloved phy- 
sician ’’ of children to enter into the spirit of the Society’s 
work. His name recalls the family traditions of direct per- 
sonal interest and of generous investment of time, money, and 
energy in the Society’s work by his father, Dr. Benjamin 
Griffith, and his grandfather, Mr. J. P. Crozer. Representa- 
tive of the third generation in this succession of service, 
Doctor Griffith, combining fine qualities of manhood with pro- 
fessional abilities of a very high order, has filled a place of 
no small value, not simply as the courteous, tactful Chairman 
of the Board, but as a member of important committees, the 
Executive and the Book Publishing Committees. A doctor 
of medicine, a well-known specialist, the author of several 
well-known medical works, he has the scientific knowledge 
and the literary skill which make his opinions of great value 
in the judging of manuscripts submitted to the Society. 


GILBERT N. Brink, D. D., General Secretary, was born in 
Ohio and bred in the Far West. He was educated in Pomona 
College and Pacific Theological Seminary, and took post- 
graduate work in the University of California. 


[ 351 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





He was Superintendent of Schools in the Philippine Islands 
from 1901 to 1904, and Assistant Director of Education in the 
Philippines from 1904 to 1909. 

He returned to California and was Principal of Berkeley 
High School from 1910 to 1912, and Assistant Head Master 
of Belmont School for Boys from 1912 to 1914. From 1915 
to 1918 he was Superintendent of Education for The Ameri- 
can Baptist Home Mission Society, having charge also of 
Latin-American work. As a member of the headquarters 
council of the Home Mission Society and of committees com- . 
posed jointly of members of that Society and of the Publica- 
tion Society he had acquired a helpful acquaintance with many 
phases of the work of the Publication Society before accept- 
ing the office of General Secretary, to which he was elected 
in 1918. 


Wittiam H. Main, D. D., Associate General Secretary, 
was born in New York, and in his youth studied law, but, 
later, entered a course of preparation for the ministry. After 
eraduating from the theological seminary he was ordained at 
Waterford, N.Y. Doctor Main has had pastorates in the 
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Buffalo, N. Y., Central Church, 
Syracuse, N. Y., South Church, Hartford, Conn., two pastor- 
ates in the Memorial Church, Philadelphia, and one in the 
First Church, Chicago. He was a member of the Board of 
the Publication Society during’ twelve years, and served on 
many committees of this Board and on committees of the 
Northern Baptist Convention before his election as Associate 
General Secretary of this Society in 1922. 


Mr. Georce L. Estasroox, of Philadelphia, the Treasurer 
of the Society, serving, like all his honored predecessors, with- 
out remuneration, discharges the duties of his position with 
care and efficiency begotten of thorough technical knowledge 
and a keen sense of Christian responsibility. The highest 
business wisdom of the Treasurer and of his associates on the 


[ 352 ] 













ELV ee ARRASS: Da): PARKER C., PALMER Harry WINDISCH 
Supt. Sales Promotion Field Representative Supt. Periodical Dept. 





W. K. BLEssInG J. P. HucuHeEs TuHomAS J. STRATTON W. L. BrooMELL 


Supt. Merchandise Manager Head of Merchandise Head of Periodical 
Mail Orders Philadelphia Store Shipping Department Shipping Department 










E. M. STEPHENSON, CuHarLEs L. Mayor WiLey J. SMITH Mark W. ADAIR 


DoD: Manager Manager Manager 
Librarian Chicago Branch Kansas City Branch Boston Branch 





E. S. JoHNnson Deh Reh ArT ebeD: Mrs. A. H. Howetu 


Manager Manager Asst. Manager 
Los Angeles Branch Toronto Branch Seattle Branch 


PERSONNEL OF THE BUSINESS DEPARTMENT 
In 1924 


1 
4) 


ius ith Pe 


Wy) ted ake Ay ¥? - 
4 ‘c 2 ae 
Eanes 


7 7 i aa * A oe ore 
y DR iira ta ae 
\ } 1 f 5 iA) tty . ee 2. } 
- ’ . : 4 
. i] wn Ps 
’ Gt ALE Mie Ard, : 
i} i peer tet ! a Th 
= ka 1) fel i 
pes ie ae 
% MH 
a HiQK, an 
. oh ui / . f 
Mifcs ty 
i bf, f 5 
ce (4 - 
Weenie ye 
Ms hi 
i ‘ = 
i if ) 2 " 
Poa he ry 
! , : 
' 
ay i 
: 
; - ; . a 
| hy ‘ 
4 ‘ hy 
Le : : 
ey > 
[i 5 ry 
ie 1 
i 
rn © Lag 
nj j 
aan 
i vibe 
; J 
- i “se 
y é 
i] 
y } 
a) | 
: 1 
i 
: ‘ 
| 
1 
an | 
; . 
_ ‘ . 
Py 
—< ; = 
ca a 
y sé : 
. 
' 
i 
' 
' 
‘ 
_ a re a 
iP si ; 
Liye + 
il : 
| 7 
> 
uJ ms 
ri | ; 
} 
j ; ad 
> a 
cy 
' ' Ny 7 
We, ta 
; | - ‘ ’ 
e# 4 
ane ' 
=¥ 
7 
i ‘ ‘ c * ae 
S 9 4 r 
* L y V. 7 bi 
f 2 er 
' A , 
4’ ; 
| ‘ 
fap a: By 
| ane 
: rey cP . 
: ed 4 





ON THE CENTURY DIVIDE 


Finance Committee is always given to guard the funds of the 
Society from loss, and business integrity joins hands with 
Christian conscience to keep the Society’s new record in per- 
fect harmony with its honorable name. 


SAMUEL G. Netz, D. D., Bible and Field Secretary, having 
served four years as pastor of the Second Baptist Church, 
Philadelphia, Pa., five years as chapel car missionary, and 
twelve years as a District Secretary in the Middle West, 
‘brought to the general work of Bible and Field Secretary in 
1918 a wealth of experience gained through practical service 
with the Society’s agencies. 

In regard to his work as District Superintendent he reported, 
we are a kind of clearing-house for all that touches directly or indirectly 
the Baptist church life of the nation, and often great interdenominational 
interests are superadded. 

WitiiamM E. Cuatmers, D. D., Religious Education Secre- 
tary, was born in New Jersey, educated in Brown University 
and the University of Chicago, was ordained to the Baptist 
ministry in 1897, and has served as pastor of the Parmly 
Memorial Church of Jersey City, N. J., of the West End 
Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., of the Waukesha Church, 
Watkesha, Wis., and of the Morgan Park Church, Chicago, 
Ill. He was General Secretary of the Baptist Young People’s 
Union, and became Educational Secretary of the Publication 
Society after the educational work of the Young People’s 
Union, within the territory of the Northern Baptist Conven- 
tion, was transferred to that Society. Combining that work 
with teacher-training has greatly enlarged the scope of the 
service which had been contemplated in connection with the 
old title of Sunday School Secretary. 

Doctor Chalmers is author of “‘ The Coming School of the 
Church,” and of “ Church School Objectives.” 


SAMUEL ZANE BatTTEN, D. D., Social Education Secretary, 
is a creative pioneer in a type of service as old as the first 


[ 353 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








century of the Christian era, a type which has been strangely 
neglected in the centuries intervening since that time, but 
greatly needed in this hour of the world’s travail. 

The key-note of his “ Building a Community” may be 
found in these suggestive sentences : 

Spirituality is not a zone of life but an attitude of soul. . . To the 


religious man all life is religious, the man who is religious in a part of 
his life is not really religious at all. 


DANIEL G. STEVENS, Ph. D., Th. M., Recording Secretary 
of the Board and Book Editor, is a graduate of Johns Hop- 
kins University and of Crozer Theological Seminary. 

Like his predecessors in office, he has had that acquaintance 
with human nature which is gained through practical work in 
the ministry, having served as pastor of churches in Xenia, 
Ohio; Bryn Mawr, Pa., and in Bordentown, N. J. 

His “A Service of Parental Duty and Purpose” was pre- 
pared as a result of his own experience in pastoral work. 

His “ Critical Commentary on the Songs of the Return ” 
from the Captivity, published in 1895, in Volume Eleven of 
‘“ Hebraica,”’ gives evidence of linguistic as well as of critical 
ability. 

The character of the output of the Book Publishing Depart- 
ment in the ten years during which he has been its Editor, is 
the best criterion of his work. 


W. Epwarp RaFFety, PH. D., D. D., Editor-in-chief of 
Sunday School Publications, was born in Illinois, educated in 
Shurtleff College, William Jewell College, the University of 
Chicago, and Rochester Theological Seminary. He has had 
experience as pastor of Calvary Church, Erie, Pa., Head- 
worker of Association House Settlement, Chicago, IIl., Proba- 
tion Officer of the Juvenile Court, and Professor of Sociology 
and Religious Education in Kansas City Baptist Theological 
Seminary. He was the first General Superintendent of the 
Daily Vacation Bible Schools of the Northern Baptist Conven- 


[ 354 | 












SAMUEL ZANE BatTTEN, D.D. SAMUEL G. Nett, D.D. A. R. MatrHEews 
Social Education Bible and Field Accountant, General 
Secretary Secretary Field Department 









W. E. Cuatmers, D.D. Rev. S. L. RoBERTS io VOUNG SOL: 


Religious Education Director Teacher- Director C. V. S. and 
Secretary Training Week-day Rel. Ed. 





Harry V. MEYER Miss Meme Brockway Mrs. E. M. FINN 
Special Represen- Director Children’s Special Field Worker 
tative Work 








Miss E. M. WEAVER Miss M. M. Love Geo. L. WHITE, B. D. 


S. S. Advisor S. S. Advisor Western Representa- 
tive 


PERSONNEL OF SOCIAL EDUCATION, BIBLE AND FIELD, 
AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS 
In 1924 





ON THE CENTURY DIVIDE 


tion. His “ Guide to Church History ” was published in. 1912, 
and his “ Bible and Social Living” in 1916. 

In his “ Brothering the Boy” Doctor Raffety names 
“ Knowledge, appreciation, cooperation, confidence, and love ” 
as the five essentials in “ brothering.”’ 

Following this list of “ Officers of the Board” in the 
Ninety-ninth Annual Report of the Society are two pages of 
members of ‘‘ Committees of the Board,” every name worthy 
of special mention. If we may say of each one as was said 
of William Colgate, “ His industry is consecration, and his 
work, worship,” what a chorus of adoration is embodied in 
their service, ushering in the Second Century of The American 
Baptist Publication Society! 


[ 355 





APPENDIX 


By EDWARD M. STEPHENSON 





THE CORPORATE TITLES 
OF THE 


SOCIETY FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS 


1824-1840. THE BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY. 


1840-1844. THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION AND SUNDAY 
SCHOOL SOCIETY. 


1844-1870. THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY. 
1870-1873. THE BIBLE AND PUBLICATION SOCIETY. 
1873-1924. THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY. 


a) \) ri’ urs 
i ri ¢ 
; 5 Aish Ah 7 “*) 
ey ye. enemaaye | 
tie ay Ae iat @ u 
if 1 Wa i" Hi Thay fa 
. { \) a) Nel ; ca ' 
F ms sf ; hee rites 
4 j La i ‘ 
| et ; r ays 
4 a opt ‘ 
a i Deo (i te 4 _! “ 






a 







1 
+ ' qe 
u # i - j “ Ay a 
() n} ' ' . : oy 
ya } hy 
ty vars 1 Dt, ee 
~i4 bret), a) | AP is i 
* Shi ‘ + 
RAT : a ot el 
+ 4 t \ r ey 
: ‘ , ‘ ’ nN ? sf *~ 
¥ ‘ ‘ \ ‘ 
} , - ra! ae 
fds ” 1 I 2 a: 
rT eh F : : 
‘ uP J : t= 
tye ‘ “ oy ® ‘ a ? 
4 ey * X 
© - ) 
- 4 F ‘ . ‘ 
4 
1 i t¢ 
é 5 i = 
i eo £5 
J + p ily 
z a sa 
‘ 
ey 
14 7. 
t ' - 
M Ore: 
i 
+ 
. ’ i 7 
a" 
=. , i 4 a 
i +5 prs 
- 4 
‘ f 4 4 
; 
‘ 
ate 
tf , feat 
- 7. i 
A ive . ‘ ; ‘ 
{ i H 
j * Fe ; ‘ 
2 
ih ¥ ¥ z 
. 
; J 
= N bf ‘ ve “I 
‘ * 
‘ J . hég Ma) = 
at ‘ 
4 | 
i oe +2: 
) 
} . “ « 
: i" bs ‘ 
d 4 ' at 
- - 3 +o" 
é 44 
Pa ' 
‘ ve 
oJ 6. 
- 1 j : , 
ve p-'4 
Py +e \ 
hy ‘ x 
ue ie ‘i * Peas 
j V ia 
é >) 
; a ' ‘ ety 
+ caf 
r ‘ tre « 7 
; « ~ 
; ' :. 
. Vz ; 7 ? 
+, x Te ee, i 
me 7 part’ Rapes : 
| Bi ne ate ‘ 
j ' ‘ 
id ‘ 4 . } Ag 
i aa “ aN, 
$8) -% Pi iS aa rey " 
| A io) 
j ! ‘ = u a ad | 
ae ye 
i : pa 
3 Pan : 
, a’ i> 
: ~*~ id ® a i 
! =—y ! ‘ ¢ wre 
~ wth ¥ i 7 » b » 
a4 . 4 , "2 
| ‘ ; } , ba 7: 25 See P 
‘ > a sy ad) 
i] { . . ss “a q 
: x et . ~ O .* 
\ > 
| \ oe Y , eh Set | 
' ne 7 ] - 
' ; ~# & By 7 
ry Pre - >) 2 
{ b | 
a vee ne 
hi “ Se Py ee 
e =<§' § i rn Ace <7" 
‘ a 7 : - 
2 : - ' eal a 
‘ P . . 
3 A > 4 - 1" | 0) Se . 
z “se = « re 
Q i 


a, + ou Py 
aha ai Y Mavi: 
iat y 





CONSTITUTION 
OF 


THE BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY 
February 20, 1824 


Art. I. The name of this Society shall be “The Baptist General Tract 
Society.” Its sole object shall be to disseminate evangelical truth, and to 
inculcate sound morals, by the distribution of tracts. 


Art. II. Any person may become a member of this Society, by paying 
the sum of one dollar annually. The payment of ten dollars at one time, 
shall constitute a person a member for life. 


Art. III. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society on the last 
Wednesday in February, when the following officers shall be chosen by 
ballot, viz.: A President, Vice-president, Agent, Recording Secretary, 
Treasurer, and a Board of Directors, consisting of the President, Vice- 
president, Agent, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall be 
Directors in consequence of their office; and seven members of the Society. 
Five Directors shall constitute a quorum for business. The Board shall 
have power to supply any vacancy that may occur in its own body. 


Art. IV. The Directors shall superintend the publication and distribu- 
tion of such tracts as they shall approve; the appointment of subordinate 
agents; the establishment of depositories; the formation of auxiliary 
societies, etc. They shall hold frequent meetings, under such regulations 
~ as they may adopt, in conformity with the general provisions of the Con- 
stitution. They shall appoint the place and the hour for the annual meeting 
of the Society; and may, if they think proper, make arrangements for an 
annual sermon, or public addresses, and a collection for the benefit of the 
Society. The Directors and the Treasurer shall make an annual report of 
their proceedings. 


Art. V. The Agent shall conduct the correspondence of the Society, and 
shall carry into effect the measures adopted by the Board of Directors. 


Art. VI. The Recording Secretary shall keep a record of the proceed- 
ings of the Board of Directors, and of the Society. He shall receive all 
moneys, keep a record of them, and pay them over to the Treasurer. 


Art. VII. Every member shall be entitled to receive three-fourths of 
the amount of his subscription in tracts, at cost. Auxiliary societies shall 
be entitled to the same privilege. 


[ 361 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Art. VIII. Any person, by paying twenty-five dollars at one time, shall 
be a Director for life.. The Presidents of auxiliary societies shall be ex- 
officio members of the Board of Directors. 

Art. IX. The President shall call a meeting of the Society, at the re- 
quest of a majority of the Board of Directors. 

Art. X. Any alterations of this Constitution may be made at an annual 
meeting by the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. 


[ 362 | 


CONSTITUTION 
OF 


THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION AND 
SUNDAY-SCHOOL SOCIETY 


Adopted in 1840 


Art. I. The name of this Society shall be “The American Baptist Pub- 
lication and Sunday-school Society.” Its object shall be, to publish such 
books as are needed by the Baptist Denomination, and to promote Sunday- 
schools by such measures as experience may prove éxpedient. 


Art. II. Any person may become a member of this Society by paying, 
annually, the sum of one dollar or more; a Life Member by the payment, 
at one time, of twenty dollars; and a Life Director by the payment, at one 
time, of fifty dollars. 


Art. III. There shall be a public Anniversary Meeting of the Society 
at such time in the month of April or May of each year, and at such place, 
as shall be appointed by the Board, when the following officers shall be 
chosen by ballot, viz: a President, one Vice-president from each of the 
States, a Corresponding Secretary, who shall be the Editor of the Society’s 
Publications, a Recording Secretary, a Treasurer, and twenty-one other 
Members, all of whom shall be members of Baptist Churches, who, to- 
gether, shall be a Board of Directors for the management of the concerns 
of the Society, of whom five shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall 
have power to appoint Agents; a Committee of Publication, of not less 
than five, whose duty it shall be carefully to examine all works proposed 
for publication by the Society, preparatory to their being committed to the 
Editor; and to fill any vacancy which may occur in its own body. 


Art. IV. The Directors shall superintend the publication and distribu- 
tion of such Books, Tracts, and Periodicals, as they may approve—the 
establishment of Depositories—and the formation of Auxiliary Societies, 
etc. They shall hold frequent meetings, under such regulations as they 
may adopt, in conformity with the general provisions of this Constitution. 
They shall appoint the place and hour for the Annual Meeting of the 
Society. The Directors and the Treasurer shall make an Annual Report 
of their proceedings. 

Art. V. Any Sunday-school Union, or Society, or any Tract Society, by 
forwarding to the Corresponding Secretary a copy of their Annual Report, 
with their Constitution and list of Officers, shall be considered an 
Auxiliary. The Board may grant special privileges to other Societies, if 


| 363 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


they deem it expedient. Auxiliary Societies shall be allowed, and are 
requested, to send one delegate to the Annual Meeting of this Society, 
to represent them, who shall have the privileges of a member. 

Art. VI. Life Directors, Life Members, Annual Subscribers, and 
Auxiliary Societies, shall be entitled to purchase the Publications of the 
Society at reduced prices. 

Art. VII. The Corresponding Secretary shall conduct the correspon- 
dence of the Society—shall superintend its publication, under the direction 
of the Board, and perform such other duties as appertain to his office. 

Art. VIII. The Recording Secretary shall keep a record of the pro- 
ceedings of the Society, and of the Board of Directors. 

Art. IX. The Treasurer shall receive all moneys intended for the So- 
ciety, and shall give to the President, for the time being, satisfactory secur- 
ity for the safe keeping of the funds committed to him. 

Art. X. The President shall call a meeting of the Society at the request 
of a majority of the Board of Directors. 

Art. XI. Any alterations of this Constitution may be made at an Annual 
Meeting, by the concurrence of two-thirds of the members present. 


[ 364 ] 


CONSTITUTION 
OF 


THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
As Adopted in 1845 


Art. 1. The name of this Society shall be—‘‘ The American Baptist Pub- 
lication Society.” 


Art. 2. ‘The object of this Society shall be to publish and circulate such 
religious works as, in the judgment of the Board of Managers, may be 
required by the cause of Truth and sound piety, and by the interests of 
Sabbath-schools. 


Art. 3. Any person may become a Member of this Society by paying, 
annually, the sum of Two Dollars or more; a Member for Life, by the 
payment at one time of Twenty Dollars; and an Honorary Manager for 
Life, by the payment at one time of Fifty Dollars. 


Art. 4. There shall be a public Anniversary Meeting of the Society, 
at such time, in the month of April or May of each year, and at such place, 
as shall be appointed by the Board of Managers, when the following 
officers shall be chosen by ballot, viz: a President, Vice-presidents, Sec- 
retaries, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and twenty-one other Members, 
all of whom shall be members of Baptist Churches, who, together, shall be 
a Board of Managers, for the direction of all the concerns of the Society, 
of whom five shall constitute a quorum. A majority of the Board shall be 
laymen. 


Art. 5. The Board of Managers shall have power to fill any vacancy 
which may occur in its own body; to make its own by-laws; to appoint 
Agents and Colporteurs; to appoint a Committee of Publication, of not less 
than five, whose duty it shall be carefully to examine all works proposed 
for publication by the Society, preparatory to their being committed to the 
Editor; to appoint a Committee of Finance, who shall superintend the 
Depository, direct all purchases, take charge of the Society’s property, 
devise and execute plans to increase the stock, and to superintend all 
agencies;' and to appoint ‘a Committee of Accounts, who shall examine 
and correct all bills and accounts, previous to their being submitted to the 
Board; examine and audit all the account books, and perform all other 
duties as the Board may direct. 

Art. 6. The Board of Managers shall superintend the publication and 
distribution of such Books, Tracts and Periodicals as they may approve— 
the establishment of Depositories—and the formation of Auxiliary So- 
cieties. They shall hold frequent meetings, under such regulations, as they 


[ 365 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


may adopt, in conformity with the general.provisions of this Constitution. 
The Board of Managers and the Treasurer shall.make an Annual Re- 
port of their proceedings. 


Art. 7. Any Sunday-school Union, or Society, or any Publication, or 
Tract Society, by forwarding to the Corresponding Secretary a copy of 
their Annual Report, with their Constitution and List of Officers, shall 
be considered an Auxiliary. The Board may grant special privileges to 
other Societies if they deem it expedient. Auxiliary Societies shall be 
allowed, and are requested to send one delegate to the Annual Meeting of 
this Society, to represent them, who shall have the privilege of a member. 


Art. 8. Honorary Managers, Life Members, Annual Members, and Aux- 
iliary Societies, shall be entitled to purchase the Publications of the So- 
ciety, at reduced prices. 


Art. 9. The duties of the Secretaries shall be assigned to them by the 
Board of Managers. 


Art. 10. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall give to the Presi- 
dent, for the time being, satisfactory security for the safe keeping of the 
funds committed to them. The Assistant Treasurer may receive funds 
and pay the same to the Treasurer, and shall be Depository Agent to the 
Society. The Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be under the direc- 
tion of the Board of Managers, who shall have power to displace either 
or both if necessary, and appoint a new Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer 
to fill a vacancy in either office. 


Art. 11. The President shall call a meeting of the Society at the re- 
quest of the Board of Managers. 

Art. 12. Alterations of this Constitution proposed at a previous Annual 
Meeting, or recommended by the Board of Managers, may be made at the 
Annual Meeting by the vote of two-thirds of the Members present. 


[ 366 ] 


CONSTITUTION 
OF 


THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
As Amended in 1855 


ARTICLE I, The name of this Society shall be “ The American Baptist 
Publication Society.” 


OBJECT 


Art. II. The object of this Society shall be to promote the interests of 


evangelical religion by means of the Printing Press, Colportage, and the 
Sunday School. 


Art. III. This Society shall be composed of Annual Members, Life 
Members and Honorary Life Managers. Any person may become a member 
of this Society by paying annually the sum of five dollars: or any regular 
Baptist Church, or Auxiliary Society may appoint a member by the an- 
nual contribution of five dollars, and an additional member for each 
additional twenty dollars. Twenty dollars, paid in sums of not less than 
five dollars, shall be requisite to constitute a member for life; and fifty 
dollars paid at one time, or a sum which in addition to any previous con- 
tribution, shall amount to fifty dollars, shall be requisite to constitute a 
Manager for Life. 


Art. IV. The officers of this Society shall be a President, Vice Presi- 
dents, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and 
twenty-one Managers, who shall be elected annually by ballot, and who 
together shall constitute a Board of Managers; one half of whom may 
be Ministers of the Gospel. 


Art. V. The Board of Managers shall have power to appoint its own 
meetings; elect its Chairman and Secretary; appoint an Editor or Editors; 
Standing and Special Committees; also, its Agents and Colporteurs; fill 
any vacancy which may occur in its own body, or in the Office of Cor- 
responding Secretary or Treasurer; enact its own By-Laws, provided, 
always, they conform to this Constitution; assign the duties of the Cor- 
responding Secretary; superintend all publications of the Society; estab- 
lish Depositories; aid in the formation of Auxiliary Societies, and define 
their relations; and in general to watch over the interests and transact 
the business of the Society. Five members shall constitute a quorum. 
The Board shall make an Annual Report to the Society. 


Art. VI. The Treasurer shall give bonds to such amount as the Board 
may appoint; shall be under the direction of the Board; and shall make 
an Annual Report to the Society. 


[ 367 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Art. VII. The Society shall meet, annually, at such time and place 
as the Board of Managers may appoint. Special meetings of the Society 
may be called by the President or Corresponding Secretary upon applica- 
tion of the Board of Managers. . 

Art. VIII. All the Officers, Managers, Agents and Colporteurs of the 
Society shall be members in good standing in regular Baptist Churches. 

Art. IX. Alterations of this Constitution proposed at a previous An- 
nual Meeting, or recommended by the Board of Managers, may be made 
at the Annual Meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. 


In 1871 the Constitution was amended so that Articles I and II were to 
read: 

ArtTIcLE I. The name of this Society shall be the “ Bible and Publication 
Society.” 

Art. II. The object of this Society shall be to promote evangelical 
religion by means of the Bible, the Printing Press, Colportage, and the 
Sunday school. 


But in 1873 Article I was again changed to read: 


ArTICLE I. The name of this Society shall be the “ American Baptist 
Publication Society.” 


[ 368 ] 


CONSTITUTION 
OF 
THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
As Amended in 1889 


Art. I. The name of this Society shall be the “ American Baptist Pub- 
lication Society.” 


Art. II. The object of this Society shall be to promote evangelical re- 
ligion by means of the Bible, the Printing Press, Colportage, and the 
Sunday-school. 


Art. III. This Society shall be composed of Delegates, Annual Mem- 
bers, Honorary Life Members, and Life Managers. Any Baptist church, in 
union with the denomination, and contributing to the Society, may ap- 
point one annual delegate. If the sum contributed during the fiscal year 
amounts to one hundred dollars, the church may appoint a second dele- 
gate, and an additional delegate for every one hundred dollars contributed. 
Any District or State Association reporting contributions of one hundred 
dollars, or upward, to the Society, during its last fiscal year, may appoint 
one delegate. Each delegate must present to the Secretary of the Society 
a certificate df appointment signed by the Clerk of the Church or Asso- 
ciation appointing him. Any member of a regular Baptist church may 
become a member of this Society by paying annually the sum of fifty 
dollars. One hundred dollars, paid in sums of not less than twenty dol- 
lars yearly, shall be requisite to constitute a member for life; and two 
hundred dollars paid at one time, shall be requisite to constitute an Hon- 
orary Manager for life. The sum named, in the case of the Church, 
Association, Annual Member, Life Member, and Manager, must be paid 
during the fiscal year ending the 3lst of March next preceding the meet- 
ing of the Society. 

Art. IV. The officers of this Society shall be a President, four Vice- 
Presidents, Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, and twenty-five 
Managers, who shall be elected annually by ballot, who together shall 
constitute a Board of Managers, one-half of whom may be ministers of 
the gospel. | 

Art. V. The Board of Managers shall have power to appoint its own 
meetings; elect its own Chairman and Secretary; appoint an Editor or 
Editors; Standing and Special Committees; also, its Agents and Col- 
porteurs; fill any vacancy which may occur in its own body, or in the 
office of Secretary or Treasurer; enact its own by-laws, Provided, always, 
they conform to this Constitution; assign the duties of the Secretary; 


[ 369 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


superintend all publications of the Society; establish depositories; aid in 
the formation of Auxiliary Societies, and define their relations; and, in 
general, to watch over the interests, and transact the business of the So- 
ciety. Five members shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall make 
an annual report to the Society. 


Art. VI. The Treasurer shall give bonds to such amount as the Board 
may appoint; shall be under the direction of the Board; and shall make 
an annual report to the Society. 

Art. VII. The Society shall meet monthly, at such time and place as 
the Board of Managers may appoint. Special meetings of the Society 
may be called by the President or Secretary, upon application of the Board 
of Managers. 

Art. VIII. All the Officers, Managers, Agents, and Colporteurs of the 
Society shall be members in good standing in regular Baptist Churches. 

Art. IX. Alterations of this Constitution proposed at a previous An- 
nual Meeting, or recommended by the Board of Managers, may be made 
at the annual meeting, by a vote. of two-thirds of the members present. 


[ 370 ] 


BY-LAWS 
OF 
THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 


Adopted at Chicago, May 11, 1910 
With Amendments Adopted in 1914 and 1919 


ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP 


SectIoN 1. The membership of the Society shall be composed as follows: 

(1) Of all persons who are now life-members or honorary life-members : 

(2) Of annual members appointed by Baptist churches. Any church 
may appoint one delegate, and one additional delegate for every hundred 
members, but no church shall be entitled to appoint more than ten 
delegates ; 

(3) Of all missionaries of the Society during their terms of service; _ 

(4) Of all accredited delegates to each annual meeting of the Northern 
Baptist Convention. 

Sec. 2. No member shall be entitled to more than one vote. 


ARTICLE II. OFFICERS 


SEcTION 1. The officers of the Society shall be a President, a First Vice- 
president, a Second Vice-president, a Treasurer, one or more Secretaries, 
and a Recording Secretary. They shall be elected by ballot at each annual 
meeting. 

Sec. 2. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Society. In 
the case of his absence or inability to serve, his duties shall be performed 
by the Vice-president in attendance who is first in numerical order. 

Sec. 3. The Treasurer, the Secretaries, and such officers as the Board 
of Managers may appoint, shall be subject to the direction of the Board, 
and shall discharge such duties as may be defined by its regulations and 
rules of order. 

Sec. 4. The Treasurer shall give such security for the faithful perform- 
ance of his duties as the Board of Managers may direct. 

Sec. 5. Each officer shall serve from the close of the annual meeting 
at which he is elected to the close of the next annual meeting, and until 
his successor is elected. 


ARTICLE III. Boarp oF MANAGERS 


Section 1. The Board of Managers shall consist of twenty-seven per- 
sons, viz., the officers named in Art. II, Sec. 1, and twenty-one other per- 


Laval 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


sons, elected by ballot at an annual meeting. At the meeting at which 
these by-laws shall be adopted, one-third of the twenty-one persons shall 
be elected for one year, one-third for two years, and one-third for three 
years, to the end that thereafter, as nearly as practicable, one-third of the 
whole number shall be elected at each subsequent annual meeting to fill the 
vacancies caused by the expiration of terms of office. As many more 
shall be elected also as shall be necessary to fill any vacancies in unexpired 
terms. 


Sec. 2. The Board of Managers shall meet at the principal office of the 
Society to organize as soon as practicable after the annual meeting. 


Sec. 3. The Board of Managers shall have the management of the 
affairs of the Society; shall have the power to elect its own Chairman 
and Recording Secretary, and to appoint such additional officers and 
such committees as to it may seem proper, and to define the powers and 
duties of each; to appoint its own meetings; to adopt such regulations 
and rules as to it may seem proper, including those for the control and 
disposition of the real and personal property of the Society, the sale, leas- 
ing, or mortgaging thereof, provided they are not inconsistent with its 
Act of Incorporation or its By-laws; to fill all vacancies in the Board of 
Managers and in any office of the Society until the next meeting of the 
Society; to establish such agencies and to appoint-and remove such agents 
and missionaries as to it may seem proper, by a three-fifths vote of all 
members present and voting at the meeting when said vote is taken; to 
fix the compensation of officers, agents, and missionaries; to direct and 
instruct them concerning their respective duties; and to make all appro- 
priations of money. At the annual meeting of the Society, and at the 
first session of each annual meeting of the Northern Baptist Convention 
it shall present a printed or written, full and detailed report of the pro- 
ceedings of the Society and of its work during the year. 

Sec. 4. The Board of Managers shall appoint annually one of its 
members whose term does not expire the current year to act as an addi- 
tional member of the Committee on Nominations without the right to vote. 


ARTICLE ITV. ELIGIBILITY TO APPOINTMENT 


All officers, all members of the Board of Managers, and all missionaries 
must be,members of Baptist churches. 


ARTICLE V. ANNUAL AND OTHER MEETINGS 


The Society shall meet annually on the third Wednesday in May, 
unless for some special reason another time shall be fixed by the Board 
of Managers on conference with the Executive Committee of the Northern 
Baptist Convention and with representatives of its other cooperating 
organizations. The meeting shall be held where the annual meeting of the 
Northern Baptist Convention shall be held. Special meetings may be 
held at any time and place upon the call of the Board of Managers. 


[ 372 ] 


APPENDIX 


ArTICLE VI. RELATIONS wiITH NoRTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 


SEcTION 1. With a view to, unification in general denominational mat- 
ters, the Northern Baptist Convention at each election may present nomina- 
tions for officers and for the Board of Managers. 

Sec. 2. The persons elected each year as the Committee on Nom- 
inations of the Northern Baptist Convention shall be for that year the 
Committee of this Society on Nominations for officers then to be elected. 

Sec. 3. The Annual Report of this Society, as soon as is shall be 
prepared, shall be forwarded to the officer or committee of the Northern 
Baptist Convention authorized to receive it. 


ARTICLE VII. AMENDMENTS 


These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the members 
present and voting at any annual meeting of the Society, provided written 
notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given at the preceding 
annual meeting of the Society, or such amendment shall be recommended 
by the Board of Managers. 


[ 373 | 


CHARTER 


AN ACT TO INCORPORATE 


THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 


AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO 


Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is 
hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the persons belonging 
to or composing the Society now called “The American Baptist Publica- 
tion and Sunday School Society” be, and they are hereby created a body 
politic and corporate in law, by the name, style, and title of “ The Ameri- 
can Baptist Publication Society,” and by that name shall have perpetual 
succession, have a common seal, make contracts, may sue and be sued, 
plead and be impleaded, in any Court of record, or in any other place 
whatever; and may also hold any real or personal estate conveyed to them 
by gift, grant, bargain and sale, devise, bequest, or other alienation what- 
soever, and sell and convey the same: Provided, That the clear yearly 
value of the lands, tenements, or other real estate of said Corporation shall 
not exceed the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. (By an act 
approved July, 1874, this sum was increased to twenty thousand dollars. 
See Supplement No. 3.) 


Sec. 2. The object of this Corporation shall be to publish such works 
of a religious character as shall be approved of for that purpose by the 
Board of Managers. (By an act approved in 1871 this clause was 
amended to read as follows: The object of this Corporation shall be to 
promote evangelical religion by means of the Bible, the Printing-press, 


Colportage, Sunday schools, and other appropriate ways. See Supplement 
ING ez.) 


Sec. 3. Its Officers shall be a President, two or more Vice-presidents, a 
Recording Secretary, a Corresponding Secretary, a Treasurer, and twenty- 
one other members who, together, shall constitute a Board of Managers, 
and any five of them shall form a quorum. They shall be elected by ballot 
at the yearly meeting hereinafter provided for; and until the first election 
shall be held in pursuance hereof, the officers of the present Society shall 
be officers of this Corporation; and no failure to hold an election for, or 
to elect any of said officers, shall be deemed a forfeiture of any of the 
corporate privileges hereby conferred, but the same shall continue* unim- 
paired thereby, and on such failure, or failures, the officers of the preced- 
ing year shall continue in office until their successors shall be duly elected. 


[ 374 | 


APPENDIX 


Sec. 4. A meeting of this Corporation shall be held each year, and at 
such time and place as the Board of Managers may appoint, for the elec- 
tion of officers, and for such other business as it may be necessary for the 
Society to transact. 


Sec. 5. Other Associations for a similar object may be made auxiliary 
to this Corporation by such means, and in such manner, as may be directed 
by the Board of Managers, and have the privilege of representation in its 
annual meetings. 


Sec. 6. The Board of Managers shall have power to appoint such other 
officers not hereinbefore provided for, as may be necessary to provide for, 
and to regulate the admission of persons, being citizens of the United 
States, as Corporators; and to make all other laws and regulations neces- 
sary for the good government of the Corporation, and not repugnant to 
the Constitution and Laws of the United States or of this Commonwealth ; 
and the said Corporation shall continue ten years and no longer. (By 
an act approved April 14, 1851, the charter is made perpetual. See Sup- 
plement No. 1.) 

The original charter was approved March 20, 1845, published in Pamphlet 
Laws of 1845, p. 194. 


SUPPLEMENT No. 1 


To an Act ENTITLED “ AN Act To INCORPORATE THE AMERICAN BAPTIST 
PUBLICATION Society,’ APPROVED MArcH TWENTIETH, ONE THOUSAND 
EIGHT HUNDRED AND ForTY-FIVE. 


SecTION 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the 
authority of the same, That the limitation contained in the following 
words “and the said Corporation shall continue ten years and no longer,” 
as found in the Sixth Section of an Act entitled “An Act to Incorporate 
The American Baptist Publication Society,’ approved the twentieth day of 
March, Anno Domini, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty-five, to 
which this is a Supplement, be, and the same is hereby repealed, and the 
Charter of the said Society made perpetual. 

Approved the fourteenth day of April, A. D., One Thousand Eight 
Hundred and Fifty-one. 

Published in Pamphlet Laws of 1851, p. 585. 


SUPPLEMENT No. 2 


To aN Act ENTITLED “ AN Act to INCORPORATE THE AMERICAN BAPTIST 
PuBLICATION Society,” ApproveD MArcH TWENTIETH, ONE THOUSAND 
E1cHt HuNDRED AND FORTY-FIVE. 


Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is 
hereby enacted by the authority of the same, that the name, style, and title 


[ 375 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


of The American Baptist Publication Society shall be, and the same is 
hereby changed and altered to “ The Bible and Publication Society.” 


Sec. 2. The object of this Corporation shall be to promote evangelical 
religion by means of the Bible, the Printing-press, Colportage, Sunday 
schools, and other appropriate ways. 


Sec. 3. That all the privileges, franchises, rights, estates, and powers 
granted by the said Act to which this is a Supplement shall issue to and be 
enjoyed by the said Corporation under its name of The Bible and Publica- 
tion Society. 


Sec. 4. That all legacies or devises heretofore made, or that may here- 
after be made to The American Baptist Publication Society, shall issue 
to and be enjoyed by the said “ The Bible and Publication Society,” their 
successors or assigns. 

Published in Pamphlet Laws of 1871, p. 649. 


SUPPLEMENT No. 3 


Early in May, 1874, application was made to the Court of Common 
Pleas, asking that the Society's charter might be amended as follows: 


1. That the name, style, and title of “The Bible and Publication 
Society’ be changed to “ The American Baptist Publication Society.” 

2. That the said Corporation may hold real estate to an amount the clear 
yearly value or income whereof shall not exceed “Twenty Thousand 
Dollars.” 

In the month of July, 1874, the Court granted the above petition in both 
particulars. 

For the details of this application and order of Court, see Records of 
the proceedings recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Phila- 
delphia, in Charter Book No. 1, p. 338. . 


[ 376 ] 


BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS 
OF THE 


BAPTIST GENERAL TRACT SOCIETY 
As Published in 1836 


ARTICLE [| 


The Board shall meet as soon as practicable after the annual meeting 
of the Society, for the purpose of electing, by ballot, the following stand- 
ing committees: 

Ist. A Selecting Committee; 

2d. A Depository and Book Committee; 

3d. A Committee of Ways and Means; 

4th. A Committee of Accounts. 


ArtIcLE II 


The Board shall hold a regular meeting on the 2d Friday evening of 
each month, at the Depository. "The President or the Committee of Ways 
and Means, may call special meetings, whenever, he or they shall deem it 
expedient. 


ARTICLE III 


Each of the Standing Committees shall keep a book, in which it shall 
record all its proceedings; and at the stated meetings of the Board, re- 
port by reading the same. 


ARTICLE IV 


DUTIES OF OFFICERS 


President.—It shall be the duty of the President, or in his absence, of 
the Vice President, or of a chairman pro tempore, to preside at all meet- 
ings of the Board; to enforce the by-laws, preserve order, and to decide 
on all questions of order, without debate, subject to an appeal to the 
Board by any two members; to give a casting vote when the Board is 
equally divided. 


Treasurer—lIt shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and hold 
the moneys, obligations, or certificates of stock, the property of the So- 
ciety—to pay all orders which shall have been approved by the Board, and 
signed by the presiding officer for the time being, and by the Secretary. 
His books shall be open to the inspection of any member of the Board; 
ke shall present, at the stated meeting of the Board, in each month, a 


[ 377 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


statement of the receipts and payments for the preceding month; and 
prepare, annually, an account of receipts and payments of the Tract 
Society, and of the book concern; which shall be examined and audited 
by the Committee of Accounts, to be presented to the Society at the an- 
nual meeting——He shall also give security in the sum of one thousand 
dollars. 


Secretary.—It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of all 
the proceedings of the Board, and of the Society, in a book for that pur- 
pose, and attest the same by his signature. He shall notify members of 
the Board of their election, and of the time and place of their meeting. 
He shall notify the Chairman of any standing or special committee, of its 
appointment, and furnish him with a list of the names which compose it. 
He shall furnish to the committees a copy of all resolutions referred to 
them; he shall lay before the presiding officer, at every meeting of the 
Board, a list of all committees which have not reported and been dis- 
charged. 


General Agent.—The General Agent shall keep an account of all Tracts 
issued from the Depository, and keep the accounts with the Branches, 
Auxiliary Societies, Agents and individuals doing business with the So- 
ciety. He shall publish, (under direction of the Board) an account of 
the moneys received by the Treasurer, and whatever relates to the So- 
ciety’s operations. He shall be authorized to make collections, solicit dona- 
tions and subscriptions, and form Auxiliary Societies; and it shall be his 
duty to do all in his power to extend the usefulness of the Society. He 
shall pay over all moneys coming into his hands for the Society, and for 
che book concern, to the Treasurer, stating particularly from what sources 
they have been received. 


ARTICLE V 


DUTIES OF COMMITTEES 


Selecting Committee—The Selecting Committee shall consist of at 
least five members whose duty it shall be to procure suitable Tracts for 
publication, which, after they have been examined and approved by a 
majority of the committee, shall be put into the hands of the agent to be 
printed. 


Depository Committee-—The Depository Committee shall consist of five 
members who shall have the general superintendence of the Depository, 
and the diréction of all the business which relates to the purchase of 
paper, contracts for printing and stereotyping, and whatever relates to 
conducting the publications of the Society, they shall have charge of all 
the Society’s property in this city, and shall attend particularly to its 
preservation.—This Committee shall present the annual account of stock, 
up to the 3lst December in each year, at the last regular meeting of the 
Board preceding the anniversary. 


| 378 


APPENDIX 


Committee of Ways and Means—The Committee of Ways and Means, 
shall consist of five members, whose duty it shall be to attend to the 
pecuniary concerns of the Society; particularly to the appointment of 
travelling agents, and the direction of their labors; and to the establish- 
ment of Depositories: they shall devise means of increasing the funds of 
the Society, and direct the General Agent in all operations which relate 
to this object: they shall also consider and dispose of applications for 
donations of Tracts. 


Committee of Accounts—The Committee of Accounts, shall consist of 
five members, in addition to-the Treasurer, who shall be an ex officio 
member.—They shall examine and correct all bills and accounts previous 
to their being submitted to the Board for approval; they shall fully 
examine the account books of the Society, and report the result of their 
examination to the Board, at the regular meetings in March, June, Sep- 
tember, and December; they shall direct the manner in which the ac- 
counts of the Society shall be kept. They shall examine and audit the 
Treasurer’s account, so as to present it at the last meeting of the Board. 
preceding the anniversary. 


ARTICLE VI 


The following shall be the order of Business: 

Ist. The meeting of the Board shall be opened with prayer: 
2d. The roll shall be called: 

3d. The minutes of the last meeting shall be read: 


4th. The committees shall report in the following order: 


The Selecting Committee; 
The Depository Committee ; 
The Committee of Ways and Means; 
The Committee of Accounts; 
5th. The Treasurer shall report: 
6th. The General Agent shall make his report: 
7th. Special Committees shall report: 
8th. New Business: 
Oth. The meeting shall be closed with prayer. 


| 379 | 


BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS 
OF 


THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 
As Published in 1859 


ARTICLE I. Boarp oF MANAGERS 


I, The Board shall meet as soon as practicable after the Annual Meeting 
of the Society, for the purpose of electing, by ballot, a Chairman, Record- 
ing Secretary, an Editor or Editors, a Depository and Publishing Agent, 
a Business Committee, and a Committee of Publication. At this meeting, 
the Board shall determine the salary of the Corresponding Secretary, 
Editor or Editors, and Depository and Publishing Agent. 


II. The Board shall meet bimonthly, on the third Thursday of June, 
August, October, December, February, and April, to review with care the 
action of the Committees, and to give them instructions. 


III. The Chairman, or the Business Committee, may call a special meet- 
ing whenever he or they shall deem it expedient. 


ARTICLE II. OFFICERS 


I. Chairman. The Chairman, or in his absence a Chairman pro tem., 
shall preside at all the meetings of the Board, preserve order, and see 
that the By-laws are faithfully observed; decide all questions of order 
without debate, subject to an appeal to the Board by the request of any 
two members; give the casting vote when the Board are equally divided, 
and appoint all special Committees, unless otherwise directed. 


II. Corresponding Secretary. The Corresponding Secretary shall con- 
duct all correspondence of the Society, relating to Agents, Colporteurs, 
Grants, and its general interests, except as hereinafter provided; prepare 
intelligence for the public journals; employ means to interest pastors and 
churches, and to assist Agents in the prosecution of their work, and call 
forth general cooperation in the work of the Society. He shall make 
a monthly report of his labors to the Business Committee, and prepare 
the Annual Report of the Board. 


III. Editor or Editors. The Editor or Editors shall receive all suitable 
works for publication in the Volume, Sunday School and Tract Depart- 
ments, and present them to the Committee of Publication for examination 
and approval; superintend the revision and stereotyping of whatever 
shall be recommended by the Business Committee, be responsible for their 
mechanical execution, and present a monthly report to the Business Com- 
mittee. 


[ 380 | 


APPENDIX 


IV. Treasurer. ‘The Treasurer shall give security in the sum of five 
thousand dollars, for the faithful discharge of his duties; receive and 
hold all money and obligations, belonging to the Society; pay all orders 
which shall have been approved by the Business Committee, and signed 
by their Chairman and Secretary; open his books to the inspection of any 
Member of the Board; present at the first stated meeting of the Business 
Committee in each month, a statement of the receipts and payments of the 
preceding month; acknowledge all receipts, donations, or legacies made 
to the Society, and prepare annually an account of all receipts and pay- 
ments, designating the objects for which they were received or paid. 

V. Depository and Publishing Agent. The Depository and Publishing 
Agent shall have charge of the stock and books of the Society; have a 
fair supply always in binding, keep a correct account of the books, tracts, 
etc., received and sold, or distributed gratuitously; keep the accounts with 
individuals, agents, auxiliary societies, and branches doing business with 
the Society; pay over to the Treasurer all money coming into his hand in 
favor of the Society; make monthly reports of the business to the Business 
Committee, prepare annually an account of the receipts and payments, 
designating the objects for which they were received and paid, and conduct 
all correspondence relating to his own department. 


VI. Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall keep the 
minutes of all the proceedings of the Board in a book for that purpose, 
and attest the same by his signature; notify the Chairman of any Stand- 
ing or Special Committee of his appointment; furnish him with a list of 
the names of those who compose the Committee and a copy of all reso- 
lutions and business referred to them, and lay before the presiding officer 
at each meeting of the Board, a list of all Committees, together with the 
unfinished business on the minutes. 


ARTICLE III. Business CoM MITTEE 


1. This Committee shall consist of not less than seven, nor more than 
nine members. Four shall be a quorum for business. The Corresponding 
Secretary, Treasurer, and Depository and Publishing Agent, though not 
members of this Committee, shall attend its meetings and communicate 
any information in their possession pertaining to their respective depart- 
ments, and aid the Committee in its deliberations. The Committee shall 
cause a full record of all their proceedings to be kept at all times, in the 
rooms of the Society, and open to the inspection of any member of the 
Board. Any vacancy in this Committee shall be filled by the Board. 


2. It shall be the duty of the Business Committee to carry into effect 
all the orders of the Board, to appoint, subject to the approval of the 
Board—Agents, Colporteurs and Helps in the Depository; designate their 
duties and fields of labor, to direct the Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, 
Editor or Editors, and Depository and Publishing Agent in the discharge 
of their duties, to make all appropriations to be paid out of the Treasury, 


[ 381 J 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








to publish all works approved by the Board, to make all needful purchases 
and contracts, to take charge of the Society’s property, to devise and 
execute plans for increasing the funds of the Society and meeting its 
pecuniary obligations, to determine the manner in which the accounts of 
the Society shall be kept, to cause those accounts to be thoroughly exam- 
ined and audited by at least two competent persons, once every month, and 
to present to the Board at its last regular meeting before the anniversary 
an audited Treasurer’s account, together with a full statement of the 
financial condition of the Society. 


3. All powers not expressly conferred upon the Business Committee 
in these By-laws are hereby retained to the Board. 


4. It shall be the duty of the Business Committee, to present to the 
Board at each regular meeting a full statement of their doings, giving the 
Board reliable information upon the condition and prospects of every 
department of the Society’s operations, also their plans for the future, 
and in general to submit.to the Board all such facts and statements, in 
their possession, aS will enable the Board to judge correctly of their past 
action and to give them future instruction. 


ARTICLE IV. COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION 


The Committee of Publication shall consist of not less than seven, nor 
more than nine members, who shall examine all works presented for pub- 
lication, and if approved, classify them according to their character; de- 
termine the size of the page and type on which they shall be printed, and, 
when informed by the Business Committee of their ability to publish, 
recommend them to the Board for publication. The Corresponding Sec- 
retary, Editor, Depository and Publishing Agent, though not members, 
shall meet with the Committee and communicate any information that will 
aid its deliberations. Three of the Committee shall be a quorum. 


ARTICLE V. ORDER OF BUSINESS 


The following shall be the Order of Business: 

1. The roll shall be called. 

2. The meetings shall be opened with prayer. 

3. The minutes of the last meeting shall be read. 


4. First, report of the Business Committee; Second, Committee of 
Publication; Third, Special Committees; Fourth, new business; Fifth, the 
meeting shall be closed with prayer. 


[ 382 ] 


BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD 
As Adopted in 1871 


ARTICLE I. BoArD oF MANAGERS 


I. The Board shall meet as soon as practicable after the annual meeting 
of the Society, for the purpose of electing, by ballot, a Chairman, Record- 
ing Secretary, Editors, a Business Committee, a Committee of Publication, 
and a Committee on Bible and Sunday-school Work. At this meeting, the 
Board shall determine the salary of the Secretary and Editors; and hear 
read the provisions and limitations of all the Society’s permanent and 
invested funds. 


II. The Board shall meet bimonthly, on the third Thursday of June, 
August, October, December, February, and April, to review with care the 
action of the Committees, and to give them instructions. 


III. The Chairman, or the Business Committee, may call a special meet- 
ing whenever he or they shall deem it expedient. 


ARTICLE IJ. OFFICERS 


I. Chairman. The Chairman shall preside at all the meetings of the 
Board, decide all questions of order without debate, subject to an appeal 
to the Board by the request of any two members; and appoint all special 
committees, unless otherwise directed. 


II. Secretary. The Secretary of the Society shall conduct all the cor- 
respondence; prepare intelligence for the public journals; employ means 
to interest pastors and churches; direct and assist all the appointees of the 
Board in their work; have charge of the stock of the Society; keep a fair 
supply always in binding, and a correct account of the books, tracts, etc., 
received and sold or distributed gratuitously; keep the accounts with 
individuals, agents, auxiliary societies, and branches doing business with 
the Society; pay over to the Treasurer all money coming into his hand in 
favor of the Society; make a monthly report of his labors to the Business 
Committee, and shall read to the Board, at its first meeting in each year, 
the provisions and limitations of all the permanent funds. 


Ill. Editor. The Book Editor shall receive all suitable works for pub- 
lication in the Volume, Sunday-school, and Tract Department, and present 
them to the Committee on Publication for examination and approval; 
superintend the revision and stereotyping of whatever shall be ordered by 
the Board; be responsible for their mechanical execution; and _ shall 
present a monthly report to the Business Committee. 


IV. Treasurer. The Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, as may be 
determined by the Board, shall give security in the sum of twenty thou- 


[ 383 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


sand dollars for the faithful discharge of his duties; receive and hold 
all money and obligations belonging to the Society; pay all orders which 
shall have been approved by the Business Committee and signed by their 
Chairman and Secretary; open his books to the inspection of any member 
of the Board; acknowledge all receipts, donations, or legacies made to the 
Society; present at the first stated meeting of the Business Committee in 
each month a statement of the receipts and payments of the preceding 
month; prepare annually an account of all receipts and payments, desig- 
nating the objects for which they were received or paid, also a statement 
of the nature and condition of the investments of all the permanent funds. 


V. Recording Secretary. The Recording Secretary shall keep the 
minutes of all the proceedings of the Board in a book for that purpose, 
and attest the same by his signature; notify the chairman of any standing 
or special committee of his appointment, furnish him with a list of the 
names of those who compose the committee and a copy of all resolutions 
and business referred to them; and lay before the presiding officer at each 
meeting of the Board a list of all committees, together with the unfin- 
ished business of the minutes. 


ARTICLE III. Business COMMITTEE 


I. The Business Committee shall consist of not less than seven members, 
four shall be a quorum for business. The Secretary and Treasurer, though 
not members of this Committee, shall attend its meetings, and communicate 
any information in their possession pertaining to their respective depart- 
ments, and aid the Committee in its deliberations. The Committee shall 
cause a full record of all their proceedings to be kept at all times, in the 
rooms of the Society, and open to the inspection of any member of the 
Board. Any vacancy in this Committee shall be filled by the Board. 


II. It shall be the duty of the Business Committee to carry into effect 
all the orders given them by the Board; to appoint, subject to the ap- 
proval of the Board, all necessary Secretaries, Editors, Agents, Sunday- 
school Missionaries, Colporteurs, and Clerks, designate their duties and 
fields of labor, and direct them in the discharge of their duties; to make 
all appropriations to be paid out of the treasury; to publish all works 
ordered by the Board; to make all needful purchases and contracts; to 
take charge of the Society’s property; to devise and execute plans for 
increasing the funds of the Society and meeting its pecuniary obligations; 
to determine the manner in which the accounts of the Society shall be 
kept; to cause those accounts to be thoroughly examined and audited 
by at least two competent persons, once every month; and to present 
to the Board at its last regular meeting before the anniversary an audited 
Treasurer’s account, together with a full statement of the financial con- 
dition of the Society. 


III. It shall be the duty of the Business Committee to present to the 
Board, at each regular meeting, a full statement of their doings, giving the 


[ 384 ] 


APPENDIX 


Board information upon the condition and prospects of every department 
of the Society’s operations; also their plans for the future; and in 
general to submit to the Board all such facts and statements in their 
possession as will enable the Board to judge correctly of their past action, 
and to give them instructions for the future. 


ARTICLE ITV. COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION 


The Committee of Publication shall consist of not less than seven 
members—three shall be a quorum. They shall examine all works pre- 
sented for publication, and if approved, classify them according to their 
character; determine the style in which they shall be published; indicate 
the copyright to be paid; and recommend them to the Board for publica- 
tion. The Secretary and Editor, though not members, shall meet with 
the Committee, and communicate any information that will aid its de- 
liberation. 


ARTICLE V. BIBLE AND SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMITTEE 


The Committee on Bible and Sunday-school Work shall consist of not 
less than seven members—three shall be a quorum. They shall devise the 
best methods of awakening an increased interest in the circulation of the 
Holy Scriptures; of developing and securing Sunday-school contribu- 
tions; of establishing new Sunday schools; of organizing the Sunday- 
school forces; of obtaining the book patronage of Sunday schools; and 
of elevating the standard of Sunday-school instruction. They shall 
present to the Board at each regular meeting a full statement of their 
proceedings. 


ARTICLE VI. OrbDER OF BUSINESS 


The following shall be the order of business: 

1. The roll shall be called. 

2. The meeting shall be opened with prayer. 

3. The minutes of the last meeting shall be read. 

4. First, report of the Business Committee; second, Committee of 
Publication; third, Bible and Sunday-school Committee; fourth, Special 
Committees; fifth, unfinished business; sixth, new business; seventh, the 
meeting be closed with prayer. 


NEW ARTICLES ADDED TO THE BY-LAWS OF 1871 
ArTIcLE IV. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL AND PUBLICATION COMMITTEE 
Added in 1874 


The Committee shall consist of not less than seven members—three of 
whom shall be a quorum. They shall seek the establishment of new 
Sunday schools; the organization of our Sunday-school forces ; the eleva- 


“[ 385 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


tion of Sunday-school instruction; the development of Sunday-school 
benevolence; and the circulation of the Scriptures and Sunday-school 
publications. They shall also examine all works presented for publication, 
and, if approved, classify them according to their character; determine the 
style in which they shall be published; indicate the copyright to be paid; 
and recommend them to the Board for publication. The Secretaries and 
Editors, though not members, shall meet with the Committee, and com- 
municate any information that will aid its deliberation. The Committee 
shall present to the Board, at each regular meeting, a full statement of - 
their proceedings. 


ARTICLE III. BIBLE COM MITTEE 
Added in 1881 


The Bible Committee shall consist of not less than seven members—three 
of whom shall be a quorum for business. It shall be the duty of this 
Committee to push with vigor all departments of Bible-work—including 
the raising of funds for the free circulation of the Scriptures, the making 
of new and pure translations in so far as money given specifically for 
that purpose will enable the Society to make them. It shall be the further 
duty of this Committee to see that all the funds coming to the Society for 
any of the afore-mentioned purposes are faithfully applied in accordance 
with the designation of the donors. The Secretaries, Editors, and 
Treasurer shall meet with the Committee, and aid them in their delibera- 
tions. The Committee shall submit to the Board for consideration, at 
each regular meeting, a full statement of its proceedings. © 


ARTICLE V.. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 
Added in 1881 


I. The Executive Committee shall consist of not less than seven mem- 
bers—four shall be a quorum for business. The Secretaries and Trea- 
Surer, though not members of this committee, shall attend its meetings, 
and communicate any information in their possession pertaining to their 
respective departments, and aid the Committee in its deliberations. The 
Committee shall cause a full record of all their proceedings to be kept 
at all times, in the rooms of the Society, and open to the inspection of 
any member of the Board. Any vacancy in this Committee shall be filled 
by the Board. 


II. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to carry into effect 
all the orders given them by the Board; to appoint, subject to the ap- 
proval of the Board, all necessary Secretaries, Editors, Agents, Clerks, 
Colporteurs, and Sunday-school Missionaries, designate their duties and 
felds of labor, and direct them in the discharge of their duties; seek the 
establishment of Sunday schools, the organization of Sunday-school forces, 
the elevation of Sunday-school instruction, the development of Sunday- 
school benevolence, and the circulation of Sunday-school literature; to 


[ 386 ] 


APPENDIX 


make all appropriations to be paid out of the treasury; to publish all 
works ordered by the Board; to make all needful purchases and con- 
tracts; to take charge of the Society’s property; to devise and execute 
plans for increasing the funds of the Society and meeting its pecuniary 
obligations; to determine the manner in which the accounts of the Society 
shall be kept; to cause those accounts to be thoroughly examined and 
audited by at least two competent persons once every month; and to pre- 
sent to the Board, at its last regular meeting before the anniversary, an 
audited Treasurer’s account, together with a full statement of the finan- 
cial condition of the Society. 


III. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to present to the 
Board, at each regular meeting, a full statement of their doings, giving 
the Board information upon the condition and prospects of every depart- 
ment of the Society’s operations; also their plans for the future; and in 
general, to submit to the Board all such facts and statements in their 
possession as will enable the Board to judge correctly of their past 
action, and to give them instructions for the future. 


ARTICLE V. MISSIONARY COMMITTEE 
Added in 1894 


I. The Missionary Committee shall consist of not less than twelve 
members, five of whom shall be a-quorum. The Secretaries and Treasurer 
shall attend its meetings and aid in its deliberations. The committee shall 
keep a full record of its proceedings, which shall be open to the inspec- 
tion of any member of the Board, and shall make a full report to the 
Board at each regular meeting. 


II. It shall be the duty of the Missionary Committee to carry into 
effect all the orders given it by the Board; to appoint, subject to the 
approval of the Board, all necessary Colporters and Missionaries, designate 
their duties and fields of labor, and direct them in the discharge of their 
duties; seek the establishment of Sunday schools, the organization of 
Sunday-school forces, the elevation of Sunday-school instruction, the 
development of Sunday-school benevolence, and the circulation of Sunday- 
school literature; to make all appropriations in the Missionary Depart- 
ment to be paid out of the treasury; and to devise and execute plans for 
increasing the funds of the Society and meeting its pecuniary obligations 
so far as they relate to this department. 


III. No grants or gifts of money, books, or literature shall be made, 
except in case of immediate need, until the applications have been ap- 
proved by at least three members of the Committee. 


[ 387 | 


BY-LAWS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS 
OF 
THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 


Adopted in 1919 with Amendments up to 1924 


ARTICLE I. BoarpD oF MANAGERS 


Section I, Meetings. 


The Board shall have regular meetings bimonthly, on the fourth Wed- 
nesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November, unless 
otherwise voted by the Board. The Chairman, a majority of the Execu- 
tive Committee, or seven members of the Board may call a SPECIAL 
MEETING whenever it may be deemed proper and expedient upon notice 
sent out either by mail or telegraph at least one week in advance. No 
business shall be transacted at special meetings other than that mentioned 
in the call. At all meetings five members shall constitute a quorum for 
the transaction of business. 


Section II, Order of Business. 


The following shall be the order of business: 
ARON Gall 
ierayer: 
. Reading of Minutes of last meeting. 
. Report of the General Secretary. 
Report of the Business Manager. 
. Reports of other Secretaries. 
. Report of the Treasurer. 
. Reports of Standing Committees: 
(1) Executive Committee. 
(2) Finance Committee. 
(3) Business Committee. 
(4) Printing-house Committee. 
(5) Book Publishing Committee. 
(6) Sunday School Publications Committee. 
(7) Bible and Field Committee. 
(8) Religious Education Committee. 
(9) Social Education Committee. 
9. Special Committee. 
10. Unfinished Business. 
11. New Business. 
12. Adjournment, with prayer. 


[ 388 | 


ON AMAR wWN 


APPENDIX 


Section III. Organization. 


1. The Board at its first regular meeting after the Annual Meeting of 
the Society shall organize for the ensuing year by electing by ballot a 
Chairman, a Vice-chairman, the Corresponding Secretary of the Society 
to be the General and Corresponding Secretary of the Board, and a Trea- 
surer, each of whom shall hold office for one year, or until his successor 
is appointed. It shall also at this same meeting elect a Business Manager, 
an Assistant Treasurer, a Bible and Field Secretary, a Religious Education 
Secretary, a Social Education Secretary, and a Recording Secretary, who 
shall be chosen by ballot, and each of whom shall hold office for one 
year, or until his successor is appointed. 

2. The following shall be the Standing Committees of the Board, which 
shall be chosen in such manner as the Board may determine from time to 
time: 

a. Executive Committee. This committee shall consist of the chairman 
of the Board, a representative of each standing committee, and 
three others to be elected by the Board, and shall have the power 
to adopt its own rules of order. 

. Finance Committee. 

. Business Committee. 

. Printing-house Committee. 

Book Publishing Committee. 

. Sunday School Publications Committee. 

. Bible and Field Committee. 

. Religious Education Committee, which may contain men and women 
not members of the Board, but selected for their special qualifica- 
tion in some branch of religious education. 

i. Social Education Committee. 


Mmennde 


— 
~ 


3. The Board shall appoint such other officers, including editors of pub- 
lications, as the work of the Society may require, and fix their salaries. 

4. The General Secretary, the Business Manager, the Secretaries who 
are Heads of Departments, the Book Editor, the Editor-in-chief of Sun- 
day School Publications, and the Treasurer shall constitute a Headquarters 
Council. The General Secretary shall be the chairman. It shall elect a 
secretary who shall keep a record of its proceedings. 

5. At the first meeting after the Annual Meeting of the Society, the 
Board shall have read to it for its guidance and information the pro- 
visions and limitations of the Society’s invested and permanent funds. 


ARTICLE II. OFFICERS 
Section I. Chairman. 


The Chairman, and in his absence the Vice-chairman, shall preside at 
all meetings of the Board; decide all questions of order, subject to an 


[ 389 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








appeal to the Board at the request of any three members; appoint all 
special committees unless otherwise directed; and do and perform such 
other duties as may rightfully pertain to the office. 


Section II. General and Corresponding Secretary. 


The General and Corresponding Secretary shall be the executive officer 
of the Board, and shall have general charge and oversight of the work of 
the Society; all departments shall report to him for instruction and advice, 
and he shall be constantly kept informed by the business manager and 
the treasurer of the work and financial condition of the Society. He shall 
be ex officio a member of all committees and shall, at each meeting of the 
Executive Committee and of the Board of Managers, report on the general 
condition of the Society and on all matters to which he wishes to direct 
their special attention. 


Section III. Associate General Secretary. 


The Associate General Secretary shall be the Society’s representative on 
the Conference Committee of Secretaries of all the Societies and Boards 
on annuities and legacies; he shall be Chairman of the Publication So- 
ciety’s Headquarters Council Committee on annuities and legacies; he shall 
promote interest in annuities and legacies through addresses, correspon- 
dence, conferences, and through special literature; he shall have primary 
responsibility for all real estate belonging to the Society; he shall be 
ex officio a member of all committees of the Board, and shall at each 
meeting of the Executive Committee and of the Board report on the 
general condition of the Society so far as it lies within his supervision; 
he shall share with the General Secretary the responsibility for represent- 
ing the whole work of the Society, and in the absence of the General 
Secretary he shall perform the duties which otherwise belong to that office. 


Section IV. Recording Secretary. 


The Recording Secretary shall keep the minutes of all proceedings of 
the Board in a book for that purpose, and attest the same by his signature; 
shall notify the chairman of any standing or special committee of his ap- 
pointment and furnish him with a list of the names and addresses of 
those who compose his committee, and shall refer to him from time to 
time copies of all resolutions and business necessary and pertinent to said 
committee; shall furnish at each meeting of the Board minutes of the 
preceding meetings; shall present to the presiding officer a list of all com- 
mittees with the chairmen thereof, certify all unfinished business, and 
do and perform such other duties as may pertain to the office. 


Section V. Business Manager. 


The Business Manager shall have charge of the commercial business 
conducted by the Society; the purchase and sale of books; the conduct of 


[ 390 | 


APPENDIX. 





the printing-house and the mechanical execution of all published works of 
the Society; he shall have charge of the stock, keep a proper supply in 
binding and a correct account of the publications received, sold, or dis- 
tributed gratuitously; he shall have general charge of the branch houses 
of the Society, and from time to time visit the same, oversee, superintend, 
and consult with the managers thereof, and report thereon with his recom- 
mendations to the General Secretary and through the Printing-house Com- 
mittee to the Executive Committee. 


Section VI. Treasurer. 


The Board shall elect the Treasurer of the Society to be the Treasurer 
of the Board. He shall give corporate security in the sum of $20,000 for 
the faithful discharge of his duties and shall have the custody of the seal 
of the Society. He shall receive and deposit all moneys and obligations be- 
longing to the Society; pay or cause to be paid all orders which shall have 
been approved by the Executive Committee; acknowledge or cause to be 
acknowledged all receipts, donations, or legacies made to the Society; pre- 
sent at the first stated meeting of the Executive Committee in each month 
a statement of all receipts and payments of preceding months; prepare 
or cause to be prepared annually an account of all receipts and payments, 
designating the object for which they were made; shall render to the 
Executive Committee and bimonthly to the Board of Managers a financial 
statement approximating the nature and condition of the investments of 
the Society and financial standing thereof; his books shall at all times be 
open to the inspection of any member of the Board. 


Section VII. Assistant Treasurer. 


The Assistant Treasurer shall give corporate security in the sum of 
$20,000; he shall keep or cause to be kept accounts of individuals, agents, 
auxiliary societies, and branches doing business with the Society, and shall 
perform such other duties as may be assigned him by the treasurer, in 
whose absence he shall transact and perform the duties of the treasurer’s 
office. 


Section VIII. Bible and Field Secretary. 


The Bible and Field Secretary shall be the administrative officer in 
charge of the work assigned to the Bible and Field Department. He shall 
report to the Bible and Field Committee at each regular meeting upon the 
condition of the work in the department and present such recommenda- 
tions for action as to him may seem wise, and shall carry out such instruc- 
tions as the committee or the Board may from time to time give. 


Section IX. Religious Education Secretary. 


The Religious Education Secretary shall be the administrative officer in 
charge of the work assigned to the Religious Education Department. He 


[ 391 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


shall report to the Religious Education Committee at each regular meeting 
upon the condition of the work in this department and present such recom- 
mendations for action as to him may seem wise, and shall carry out such 
instructions as the committee or the Board may from time to time give. 


Section X. Social Education Secretary. 

The Social Education Secretary shall be the administrative officer in 
charge of the work assigned to the Social Education Department. He 
shall report to the Social Education Committee at each regular meeting 
upon the condition of the work in this department, and shall present such 
recommendations for action as to him may seem wise, and shall carry out 
such instructions as the committee or the Board may from time to time 
give. 


Section I. ARTICLE III. Enpzrors 


The editors shall be chosen as the Board may direct, and shall have gen- 
eral charge of the publications of the Society in their several departments. 


Section II. Book Editor. 

The Book Editor shall receive and examine all manuscripts presented 
for publication in the Book Publishing Department and present them for 
consideration to the Book Publishing Committee; shall employ such assis- 
tants as the Book Publishing Committee and the Board of Managers shall 
authorize; shall superintend the revision and stereotyping of such matters 
as shall be approved by the Publication Committee; and shall present a 
monthly report to that committee. 


Section III. Editor of Sunday School Publications. 

The Editor of Sunday School Publications shall under the direction of 
the Sunday School Publications Committee receive and examine all manu- 
scripts presented for publication in the Sunday school literature of the 
Society; shall determine the kind of publications and what material is 
suitable to appear in them; and shall employ such assistants as the Sunday 
School Publications Committee and the Board of Managers shall authorize. 


Section I ARTICLE IV. DEPARTMENTS 


The administrative work of the Society shall be distributed among the 
following departments: 


1. Finance Department. 

2. Business Department. 

3. Book Publishing Department. 

4. Sunday School Publications Department. 
5. Bible and Field Department. 

6. Religious Education Department. 

7. Social Education Department. 


[ 392 ] 


APPENDIX 








Section IT, 


Each department shall be charged with the administration of the work 
assigned to it, as follows: 


I. THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT. 


Lis 


1. The receiving, disbursing, investing, and accounting for all funds 
of the Society. 


. The auditing of the accounts of all subagents. 
. The bonding of agents as may be required. 
The care and insurance of properties. 


on f w DN 


. The execution of contracts and other financial documents as author- 
ized by the Board. 


6. The custody of securities and other financial documents as author- 
ized by the Board. 


7. The auditing of the treasurer’s books each year, and the presenting 
to the Board of Managers at their last regular meeting before the 
Annual Meeting of a full statement of the financial condition of 
the Society. 


THE BUSINESS DEPARTMENT. 


1. The commercial business conducted by the Society. 

2. The purchase and sale of books. 

3. The conduct of the printing-house. 

4. The mechanical execution of all published works of the Society. 


5. The merchandise stock, branch houses and agencies, and rental of 
properties. 


III. THE BOOK PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT. 


IV. 


1. The examination of all books presented for publication, classifying 
those that are approved according to their character, and deter- 
mining the style in which they shall be published. 


2. Indicating the royalty to be paid, and presenting their decisions 
to the Board for final action. 


3. Recommending such changes in matter and form as may be deemed 
wise and proper. 


PiopesN Aye sCHOOL PUBLICA TIONSIDEPARTMENT 


1. General oversight of all the Sunday school publications issued by 
the Society. 


2. Recommending from time to time such changes in matter or form 
as may be deemed wise and proper. 


[ 393 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


V. THE BIBLE AND FIELD DEPARTMENT. 
1. The-.organizing and establishing of Bible schools. 


2. The promotion of the circulation and use of Bible school literature. 
3. Stimulating all Bible school benevolence. 
4 


_ The distribution or sale of Bibles, tracts, and other Christian 
literature through its workers. 


Sal 


. To secure, subject to the approval of the Board, properly qualified 
Bible and Field workers, to recommend to the Board their salaries, 
and to designate their fields and to direct them in their work. 


6. The extension of the general work of the Society in all practical 
and necessary ways. 


7. The promotion of interest and beneficence along the lines of the 
general work of the Society. 


VI. THE RELIGIODS EDUGADION DEPARTMENT: 


1. To develop and define a general policy and program for the religious — 
education work of: the Society. 


2. To secure, subject to the approval of the Board, properly qualified 
religious education workers, to recommend to the Board their 
salaries, and to designate their fields and to direct them in their 
work. 


3. To devise means for increasing the efficiency of churches, Sunday 
schools, young people’s societies, and other church groups in their 
work of religious education. 


VII. THE SOCIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. 


1. To develop and define the general policy and program for the Chris- 
tian Social Education work of the Society. 


2. To cooperate with the other departments of the Society in securing 
Christian Social Service material in teacher-training manuals, in 
institutes, and in the general educational work of the Society. 


3. To submit for publication material for lesson courses and literature 
in social study and service for all departments of the Sunday 
school and ¢hurch, as well as general literature dealing with 
special phases of the study of Christian Social Service. 


ARTICLE V. DutTIFS oF COMMITTEES 
Section I. 

It shall be the duty of each standing committee to consider matters 
relating to its department and to keep a record of its proceedings. It shall 
report thereon in writing to the Board and present for action all matters 
requiring Board approval. 


[ 394 | 


APPENDIX 





Section II. Executive Committee. 


It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to carry into effect all 
orders given it by the Board; to appoint, subject to the approval of the 
Board, agents, clerks, and other employees; to make all appropriations to 
be paid out of the treasury except grants of “missionary” and Bible 
funds; to make all needful purchases and contracts; to consider, de- 
vise, and recommend plans for increasing the funds of the Society and 
meeting its pecuniary obligations, and generally to advise with and assist 
the secretaries. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to 
present to the Board at each regular meeting a full statement of all its 
transactions. 

During the interim between the meetings of the Board, the Executive 
Committee shall have full power to act for the Board. 

Five members of this committee shall constitute a quorum for the 
transaction of business. The secretaries, business manager, and treasurer 
or assistant treasurer shall attend its meetings and aid in its deliberations 
without voting. 


Section III. Finance Committee. 


The Finance Committee shall have general supervision of the Depart- 
ment of Finance and of the legal business of the Society, and shall receive 
funds and property upon such terms and conditions as the Board may 
from time to time approve. Two members of this committee shall be 
appointed who, together with the treasurer, shall form an Investment 
Committee, with the power to invest funds in accordance with the rules 
of the Board concerning investments. All investments shall be reported 
to the Board at its next regular meeting. 


Section IV. Business Committee. 


The Business Committee shall be a committee advisory to the business 
manager, and shall perform such special duties as shall be committed to 
it by a vote of the Executive Committee or of the Board. 


Section V. Book Publishing Committee. 


The Book Publishing Committee shall examine all works presented for 
publication by the Book Publishing Department; classify those that are 
approved according to their character; determine the style in which they 
shall be published; indicate the copyright to be paid, and recommend 
their decisions to the Board for final action. The general secretary, busi- 
ness manager, and editors shall attend the meetings of this committee 
and aid in its deliberations. The committee shall present to the Board at 
each regular meeting a full report of its proceedings, with such recom- 
mendations for action as it may deem advisable. 


[ 395 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








Section VI. Sunday School Publications Committee. 


The Sunday School Publications Committee shall have general over- 
sight of all the Sunday school publications issued by the Society, and 
shall recommend from time to time such changes in matter or form as it 
may deem wise and proper. The general secretary, business manager, and 
editors shall attend the meetings of the committee and aid in its delibera- 
tions. The committee shall present to the Board at each regular meeting 
a full report of its proceedings, with such recommendations for action as 
it may deem advisable. 


Section VII. Social Education Committee. 


The Social Education Committee shall examine and supervise the policies 
and methods of the department and consult with the secretary of this 
department concerning lesson courses and literature. The secretaries, busi- 
ness manager, and editors shall attend the meetings of this committee and 
take part in its deliberations. The committee shall present to the Board 
at each regular meeting of the Board a full report of its proceedings, 
with such recommendations for action as it may deem advisable. 


Section VIII, 


Each committee shall meet at the call of its chairman or of the General 
Secretary. 


Section IX. Headquarters Council. 


The Headquarters Council shall meet at the call of the General Secre- 
tary, or, in his absence, at the request of any member of the Council, to 
consider such matters as may properly come before it. While in routine 
matters the head of each department will act in accordance with his 
best judgment, it is expected that matters of special importance shall be 
brought before the Headquarters Council for consideration in order that 
the committee having cognizance of the matter and the Board may have 
the benefit of the Council’s judgment. 


; ARTICLE VI. FINANCIAL 
Section I, 


All investments of the Society’s funds shall be made by the Investment 
Committee upon the approval of the Finance Committee, in accordance 
with the following rules: 

1. Loans of the United States ‘of America. 

2. Loans of the State of Pennsylvania. 

3. Loans of the county, city, borough, township, or school district in 
the State of Pennsylvania and such other States as the Finance Committee 
shall deem advisable. 

4. Bond and first mortgage on real estate situated in the State of 
Pennsylvania, upon a basis not to exceed sixty per cent. of the market 


[ 396 ] 


APPENDIX 








value thereof, except in the case of guaranteed mortgages, and except 
purchase-money mortgages received in part payment of real estate sold 
by the Society. 

No mortgage (except purchase-money mortgage) shall be accepted on 
unimproved land or on farm properties. No mortgage shall be accepted 
on buildings in process of construction; on building operations covering a 
number of houses, whether completed or otherwise, known as “ blanket 
mortgages ”’; on buildings which have never been rented; on industrial 
plants; on religious or educational institutional buildings; or on places 
of amusement. 

All real estate mortgages, of whatsoever character (except purchase- 
money mortgages), in excess of $10,000 shall be submitted to the Board 
of Managers of the Society for their previous consideration and approval 
or otherwise. 

5. Bonds of railway companies, which shall be secured by a first or prior 
lien mortgage upon their respective roadbeds or sections thereof; railway 
terminal company first mortgage bonds; car trust or equipment trust bonds 
or certificates, provided always that in each and every instante all the 
capital stock of the respective railway companies shall have been upon a 
dividend-paying basis for at least three years prior to the date of purchase 
of the respective securities aforesaid. 

The Finance Committee with approval of the Board shall be authorized 
to agree to exchanges of securities which may be necessary because of 
reorganizations or refunding of the securities which may be owned by 
the Society, and the restrictions above mentioned, with reference to the 
investment of moneys, shall not be applicable to the new securities which 
may be received in such reorganization or refunding exchanges. 

6. Under no circumstances shall any of the funds of the Society be 
loaned to any officer, employee, legal adviser, or member of the Board of 
Managers, or to any private corporation or business enterprise in which 
any of them is personally interested. 


Section II. Signatures. 


1. All annuity contracts by the Society shall be signed by the Treasurer 
or the Assistant Treasurer, and countersigned by the General Secretary 
or the Associate General Secretary. 

2. All checks, drafts, and other commercial paper shall be signed by the 
Treasurer, or by the Assistant Treasurer, and countersigned by the Gen- 
eral Secretary, or by the Associate General Secretary, or by the Record- 
ing Secretary of the Board, or by a member of the Finance Committee 
designated by said Committee. 


Section III. Investment Securities. 


Unless otherwise ordered, all investment securities of the Society 
shall be registered in the name of the Society, and shall be deposited 


[ 397 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








for safe-keeping in a reliable safe deposit vault in the City of Phila- 
delphia designated by the Finance Committee. Access to the safe- 
deposit box ot the Society shall be had by any two of the following 
officers together: Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer (or Acting Assistant 
Treasurer), and General Secretary; or by the Treasurer or Assistant 
Treasurer (or Acting Assistant Treasurer), or General Secretary, when 
accompanied by such member of the Finance Committee as may be 
designated by the Board. 


ARTICLE VII. VACANCIES 


A vacancy in the Board may be filled until the next annual meeting of 
the Society by ballot’ only. 


ARTICLE VIII. AMENDMENTS 


These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote at any meeting at 
which a quorum is present and voting, provided the amendments shall © 
have been: submitted to the prior regular meeting and a copy of the same 
sent to each member of the Board at least ten days prior to the meeting 
at which the same shall be presented for adoption. 


[ 398 ] 


OFFICERS, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, AND 
OFFICERS OF THE BOARD 


PRESIDENTS 


Obadiah Brown, D. D., 1824-1826. 
fonn LL aDaceeD. 1827 
Elisha Cushman, D. D., 1828-1829. 


William T. Brantly, D. D., 1830-1837. 


George B. Ide, D. D., 1838-1841. 

Rufus Babcock, Jr., D. D., 1842- 
1843. 

Joseph H. Kennard, D. D., 1844- 
1854. 

Hon. Mason Brayman, 1855-1856. 

Hon. James H. Duncan, 1857-1860. 

William Phelps, 1861-1871. 

SatsOnlel al Dotwl) Die lo/z. 


Hon. James L. Howard, 1873-1877. 
Samuel A. Crozer, 1878. 

George T. Hope, 1879-1881. 

E. L. Hedstrom, 1882. 

John H. Deane, 1883-1884. 
Samuel A. Crozer, 1885-1911. 

W. H. Doane, 1912. 

J. W. Brougher, D. D., 1913-19 
W. B. Riley, D. D., 1917. 

W. G. Brimson, 191971 4'9 

F. H. Robinson, 1920. 

Levi S. Chapman, 1921-1922. 

W. H. Geistweit, 1923. 


VICE-PRESIDENTS 


Adams,. Seymour W., D. D., 1861- 
1864. 

Alderson, L. A., 1864. 

Anderson, Martin B., D. D., LL. D., 
1854. 

Arbuckle, C..N., D. D., 1922-. 

Armitage, Thomas, D. D., 1860-1895. 

Babcock, Rufus, Jr., D. D., 1840- 
1841. 

Bailey, A. S., 1840-1841. 

Bailey, Silas, D. D., 1856-1865. 

Baker, Hon. A. L., 1856, 1858-1860. 

Barton, David R., 1848-1850. 

Batcheller, J., 1851-1854. 

Beebee, Alexander M., LL. D., 1843. 

Bellows, A. J., M. D., 1853-1854, 
1856-1859. 

Benedict, D., D. D., 1861. 

Bleeker, Garret N., 1851-1853. 

Boardman, George Dana, D. D., 
1864-1865. 

Boone, Levi D., 1859-1860. 


Booth, John, 1840-1844. 

Brantly, William T., D. D., 1827- 
1829. 

Brimson, W. G., Esq., 1904-1909. 

Brown, Joseph E., 1883-1884. 

Bryce, John, 1824. 

Buck, William C., D. D., 1840-1843. 

Caswell, Alexis, D. D., 1856-1865. 


‘“Ghapman, Wevi S.,/ 1823. 


Charlton, Rev. Frederick, 1856-1858. 
Cheney, David B., D. D., 1859-1865. 
Gharchy Hon’; G.,31912: 

Clarke, Miner G., D. D., 1857-1860. 
Colby, Hon. Anthony, 1856-1861. 
Colver, Nathaniel, D. D., 1860. 
Conaut, John A., 1840-1844. 
Cornelius, Samuel, D. D., 1825-1826. 


Cornell, Thomas, 1875-1877. 


Corwin, R. G., 1853-1854. 

Crane, James C., 1840. 

Crane, William, 1840-1844, 1852-1854, 
1864-1865. 


[399 ] 


PIONEERS 


Cresswell, Samuel J., 1840-1844, 
1852-1854, 1864-1865. 

Croskey, Henry, 1862-1865. 

Crowell, William, D. D., 1861. 

Crozer, John P., 1851-1865. 

Crozer, Samuel A., 1866-1867, 1879- 
1884. 

Cinimins tee aL S50) 

Cuthbert, James H., D. D., 1860. 

ager a) Onrieice see pool) oO: 
1840-1843. 

Davies, J. M., 1859-1865. 

Davis, George F., 1865, 1876-1878. 

Davis, Hon. Isaac, 1840-1849, 1857- 
1865. 

Davis, Mial, 1873-1874. 

Davis, S., 1862-1865. _ 

Day, Albert, 1850-1854. 

Day, Larkin B., 1878. 

Deane, John H., 1882. 

Doane, W. Howard, Mus. 
1879, 1901-1911. 

Dowling, John, D. D., 1852-1854. 

Draper, L. C., 1861-1865. 

Duncan, Hon. James H., 1850-1856. 

Dunlevy, A. H., 1856-1860. 

Eddy, Daniel C., D. D., 1860-1861. 

Eddy, Herman J., D. D., 1861. 

Edwards, Benjamin F., 1840-1841. 

Ellyson, Hon. H. K., 1882. 

Everts, William W., D. D., 1860- 
1868. 

Ewart, Hon. Thomas W., 1855-1861. 

Fleischmann, Rev. Konrad A., 1859- 
1861. 

Fletcher, Hon. Ryland, 1859-1865. 

Ford, J. M., 1859-1860. 

Foster, Thomas S., 1853-1854. 

Frost, James M., 1844, 

Gardiner, Richard, M. D., 1856-1860. 

Gillette, “A. D., D. D., 1852-1854, 
1861. 

Gillmore, Hon. Joseph A., 1864-1865. 

Gillpatrick, J., 1860. 

Goodman, Edward, Esq., 1880-1899. 


Doce 


OF LIGHT 


Going, Jonathan, D. D., 1840-1844. 

Green, T. P., 1841. 

Greene, Prof. Samtel S., 1859. 

Greenough, B., 1840-1844. 

Gregory,, John’ M.,. LL Die 18/62 
1874. 

Griges, J. W., 1864-1865. 

Grow, Fred A., 1921. 

Hague, William, D. D., 1851-1854. — 

Hatris-sLion:- dita. elas, 

Harrison, John C., D. D., 1842-1859. 

Hart, H. B., 1862-1865. 

Haskell, Samuel, D. D., 1856-1865. 

Heck, J. M., 1875. 

Hedstrom, E. L., 1880-1881. 

Hinckley, F. E., 1875-1877. 

Hiscox Hal De ooens 

Holden, Charles N., 1869. 

Hope, George T., 1878. P 

Horr, George R., D. D., 1894-1898. 

Howard, Hon. James L., 1872. 

Hoyt, Col. J. A., 1890-1893. 

Hughes, D. ¢€, 1D. D.; 190031902 
1909, 

Humphrey, Friend, 1853. 

Ide, George B., D. D., 1850-1854, 
1858-1860. 

Jayne, David, M. D., 1854. 

Jewell, Wilson, M. D., 1859-1860. 

Johnson, G. G., D. D., 1920-1921. 

Johnson, George J., D. D., 1856-1864. 

Jones, E. D., 1870-1872. 

Jones, William G., 1840-1842. 

Keen, William W., 1837-1855. 

Keller, Luther, 1918. 

Kempton, George, D. D., 1854. 

Kendrick, S. N., 1850-1854. 

Kennard, Joseph .H., D. D., 1837: 
1843, 1855-1865. 

King, E. D., 1844. 

Kingsley, Hon. Chester W., 1900- 
1903. 

LaCoste, A. P., 1840-1844. 

Lee, Franklin, 1854, 1859-1860. 

Lemen, James, 1842. 


| 400 | 


APPENDIX 


Levering, Joshua, Esq., 1885-1909. 

Lincoln, Heman, D. D., 1860. 

Linnard, Hon. James M., 1850-1854, 
1856-1861. 

Loxley, Rev. Benjamin R., 
1860. 

McDaniel, James, 1840-1844. 

McKean, Rev. John A., 1860-1865. 

McPherson, William M., 1853-1854. 

Malcom, Howard, D. D., 1851-1854. 

Malcom, Rev. Thomas S., . 1853, 
1857-1860. 

Marshall, J. H., 1840-1845. 

Mason, J. M., 1841. 

Matick vie W.. le. DD. 1913-1916. 

Merrill, J. Warren, 1866-1871, 1878- 
1881. 

Meyers, H. S., 1918. 

Miter, M., 1856-1857. 

Morgan, Ebenezer, 1883-1884. 

Murdock, James N., 1856-1861. 

Nichols, F. C., 1920. 

Orr, David, 1840. 

Owen, Ezra D., 1842-1844. 

Pattison, kobert E., D.D., 1840. 

Peck, John M., D. D., 1848-1854. 

Peddie, John, D. D., 1879. 

Perkins, Aaron, D. D., 1861-1863. 

Perkins, J. C., 1842-1844. 

Pettit, William V., 1860-1861. 

Phelps, Sylvanus, D. D., 1859-1865. 

Phelps, William, 1856-1860. 

Pratt, J. C., 1852-1854. 

Quincey, Josiah, 1840-1844. 

Randall, James, 1872-1874. 

Rhees, Morgan J., D. D., 1843-1844. 

Rider, Hiram, 1840-1843. 

Riley, W. B., D. D., 1915-1917. 

Robinson, Ezekiel G., D. D., 1850- 
1852. 

RGSS?) 8c cle Ds 1922: 


1857- 





Runyan, Hon. Peter P., 1843, 1850- 
1861. 

Searles, J. W.,.D. D., 1896-1899, 

Shadrach, William, D. D., 1844. 

Shailer, William H., D. D., 1856- 
1861. 

Shepherd, J. H., 1846-1847. 

Sherwood, Adiel, D. D., 1843-1844. 

Simmons, James B., D. D., 1861- 
1865. 

Smith, Eli B., D. D., 1856-1860. 

Smith, J. B., 1840-1844. 

SHinsOletl:. Ko DD, 1) 21865: 

Stow, Baron, D. D., 1851-1854. 

Strong. Urank.1.L. Ds 1910: 

aviomecisian alee aloo: 

Thomas, Rev. Archibald, 1840-1844. 

Toebit, Rev. A. M., 1856-1858. 

Tackeoalic ris DD: Lieb 1885- 
1890. 

Turpin, Rev. William H., 1840-1849. 

Upham, James, D. D., 1861. 

Wattson, Thomas, 1845-1854, 1857- 
1865. 

Wayland, Francis, D. D., 1840-1844, 
1850-1854. 

Welch, James E., D. D., 1840-1844, 
1860. 

Westover, Rev. J. T., 1865. 

Willet, Rev. C., 1863. 

Williams, Hon. J. M. S., 1857-1865. 

Williams, William R., D. D., 1842- 
1844. 

Williamson, W. J., D. D., 1913-1915. 

Wilson, D. M., 1856-1865. 

Wilson, Franklin D., 1866-1871. 

Wilson, James, 1848-1850. 

Winter, Thomas, D. D., 1852-1854. 

Withers, John, 1852-1854. 

Woolsey, Rev. James J., 1844. 

Wording, J. E., 1860. 


{ 401 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





GENERAL SECRETARIES 


George Wood, 1824-1826. 

Rey. Noah Davis, 1827-1830. 

Rev. Ira M. Allen, 1831-1838. 

Morgan J. Rhees, D. D., 1840-1842. 

John M. Peck, D. D., 1843-1845. 

Rev. Thomas S. Malcolm, 1846-1852. 

Kendall Brooks, D. D. (Associate), 
1852. 

Heman Lincoln, D. D., 1853. 


William Shadrach, D. D., 1854-1856. 

Benjamin Griffith, D. D., 1857-1893. 

Col. Charles H. Banes, 1894. 

A. J. Rowland, D. D., LL. D., 1895- 
1916. 

Guy C. Lamson, D. D., 1917-1918. 

Gilbert N. Brink, D. D., 1919-1923. 

William H. Main, D. D., Associate 
General Secretary, 1922-. 


RECORDING SECRETARIES 


Isaac G. Hutton, 1824. 

Joseph Thaw, 1825-18206. 

Philalogus Loud, 1827-1828. 

Morgan J. Rhees, D. D., 1840-1842. 

Wilson Jewell, M.-D., 1831-1832, 
1841. 

William Ford, 1833-1840. 

A. P. Drew, 1842. 

Levi Knowles, Jr., 1843-1845. 

Clement A. Wilson, 1846-1853. 

John Hanna, 1854. 


George C. Baldwin, D. D., 1855- 
1862. 

Rev. James Cooper, 1863-1869, 1878- 
1879. 

Horatio Gates Jones, 1870-1877. 

J. Howard Gendell, 1880-1888. 

A. J. Rowland, D. D., 1889-1894. 

J. G. Walker, D. D., 1895-1913. 

B. D. Stelle, 1914-1917. 

W. S. Bauer, 1917. 

Wm. H. Main, D. D., 1922-. 


ORCAS i i 


Rev. Luther Rice, 1824-1825. 

Enoch Reynolds, 1826. 

Samuel Huggins, 1827-1836. 

William W. Keen, 1837-1855. 

Charles B. Keen, 1856. 

James S. Dickerson, D. D., 1857- 
1859. 


Washington Bucher, 1860-1861. 
William V. Pettit, 1862-1882. 
Charles H. Banes, 1883-1897. 
B. F. Dennison, 1898-1902. 
Harry S. Hopper, 1903-1918. 
George L. Estabrook, 1918-1923. 


CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD 


Joseph H. Kennard, D. D., 1856, 
1858-1860, 1866. 

Wilson Jewell, M. D., 1857. 

J. P. Crozer, 1861-1865. 


William Bucknell, 1867-1871, 1877- 


1889. 


S. A. Crozer, 1872-1874, 1890-1912. 
George K. Crozer, 1912-1919. 


J.. P.. Crozer, Grithth pM Deeiaie 
1923. 


SECRETARIES OF THE BOARD 


John Baumgartner, 1887-1892. 
O. W. Spratt, 1893-1897, 
J. G. Walker, D. D., 1898-1915. 


B. D. Stelle, 1915-1916. 
Daniel G. Stevens, Ph. D., 1916-. 


[ 402 ] 


APPENDIX 


MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF MANAGERS 


Abbott, Hon. Charles F., 1853-1897. 

Adams, Geo. D., D. D., 1913-1921. 

Aldrich, Rev. J., 1842-1843. 

Anderson, George W., D. D., 1847- 
1892. 


Arbuckle, Charles N., D. D., 1922-. 


Armitage, Thomas, 1883- 
1895. 

Ashton, Rey. W. E., 1827-1828, 1830- 
1834. 

Ashton, George H., 1865. 

Babcock, Rufus, D. D., 1837-1839. 

Bailey, W. A., 1908-1909. 

Bainbridge, H., 1918-. 

Ballentine, William, 1828-1832. 

Banes, Col. C. H., 1873-1894. 

Banes, Mirs. C. H., 1900-1909. 

Bauer, W. S., 1917-1919. 

Baumgartner, John, 1887-1892. 

Beckley, J. T., D. D., 1887-1894. 

Beebe, G. W., 1841. 

Beidleman, R. A., 1841. 

Bennett, E. A., 1843. 

Bitting, C. C., D. D., 1883-1890. 

Boardman, G. D., D. D., 1866, 1868- 
1874. 

Brantly, William T., D. D., 1854, 
1857-1861. , 

Brimson, W. G., 
1919, 

Brink, Gilbert N., D. D., 1919-. 

Brougher, J. W., D. D., 1913-1916. 

Brower, D., 1845-1850. 

Brown, Daniel, 1826. 

Brown, Thomas, 1829. 

Brown, T. Edwin, 1889-1890. 

Bucknell, William, 1841-1889. 

Bucknell, William Rufus, 1870-1874. 

Burnett, E. S., 1850-1854. 

Burrows, J. L., D. D., 1841-1854. 

‘Bussier, D. P., 1844. 

Butcher, Washington, 
1869. 

Callaghan, George, 1868-1884. 


DoD. 


1904-1909, 1918- 


1859, 1868- 


Cassady, P. H., 1847-1874. 

ia Sten [ate Ln Loo glo 2. 

Caswell, Alexis, D. D., 1825-1826. 

Cathcart, W., D. D., 1860-1883. 

Cawood, Daniel, 1825-1826. 

Chapman, Levi S., 1921-. 

Charters, W..W.;, Ph.D; 1921-. 

Charlton, F., 1854. 

Chase, W. T., D. D., 1893-1896. 

Ghase@iran,.Ws D:.1825; 

Cheney, D. B., D. D., 1853-1858. 

Clark, David, 1840-1841. 

Clark, M. G., D. D., 1851-1856. 

Clegg, J. W., 1920-. 

Glinch= Honi-Bi'S,, 1912. 

Cole, H. F., 1918-. 

Collmer, E. B., 1922-. 

Cooper, Rev. George, 1875-1880. 

Covel, Rev. E., 1843. 

Cowe, Joseph, 1830. 

Cresswell, Samuel J., 1884. 

Cresswell, S. J., D. D., 1842-1849, 
1855-1857. 

Croskey, Henry, 1866-1867. 

Crozer, G. K., 1866-1920. 

Crozer, J. P., 1851-1865. 

Crozer, Robert, 1896-1918. 

Crozer, Samuel A., 1862-1911. 

Cushman, Elisha, D. D., 1827. 

Cushman, Robert W., D. D., 1828- 
1838. 

Cuthbert, J. H., D. D., 1855-1859. 

Dagg, J. L., D. D., 1828-1829. 

Dakin, E. Leroy, 1923- 

Davis, John, 1827-1845. 

Davis, J. C., 1836-1855, 1857-1865. 

Day, Henry, D. D., 1855-1859. 

Dennis, Rev. William L., 
1848. 

Dennison, B. F., 1884-1902. 

Dickerson, Miss Grace, 1913. 

Dickerson, J. S., D. D., 1860. 

Dickinson, E. W., D. D., 1842, 1844, 
1846. 


1846- 


[ 403 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Doane, W. H., Mus. Doctor, 1901- 
1915. 

Dodge, Rev. Daniel, 1839-1844. 

Dorman, William, 1827. 

Dowlingiize Da Dios: 

Drake, H. C., 1913-1915. 

Eddy, D. C., D. D., 1863-1864. 

Eldridge, James H., 1867-1869. 

Ellis, John, 1837. 

Estabrook, G. L., 1915- 

Evans, Frederick, D. D., 1890-1892. 

BvanseeMiltorny Gretel) lcs 2 
1909-1917. 

Everts, Rev. J. B., 1842. 

Fendall, Rev. E. D., 1863-1864. 

Fener, R., 1838-1840. 

Ferris, G. H., D. D.," 1907-1911. 

Fleischmann, Rev. K. A., 1854. 

Fletcher, Rev. Leonard, 1833-1834. 

Folwell, Rev. J. N., 1895-1909. 

Ford, Isaac, 1844-1851, 1855-1863. 

Ford, William, 1841. 

Foster, T. S., 1851-1852. 

Galusha, Elijah, 1845. 

Gamble, John K., 1846-1847. 

Gardner, Richard, M. D., 1839-1841. 

Garrett, W. E., 1835-1839. 

Gaskill, J. H., 1886-1895. 

Gendell, J. H., 1888-1911. 

George, Charles, 1844-1845. 

Gibson, Joseph, 1824-1826. 

Gillette, A. D., D. D., 1836-1851. 

Gillette, Rev. P. D., 1836. 

Goodman, M. Edward, 1880-1900. 

Gordon, John, D. D., 1893-1913. 

Gray, Rev. Isaac, 1861. 

Green, Rev. H. K., 1826. 

Griffith, Benjamin, D. D., 1852-1893. 

Griffith, J. P. Crozer, M. D., 1912-. 

Grifhth, Rev. T. S., 1865. 

Griswold, Rev. R. W., D. D., 1843- 
1845. 

Grow, Fred A., 1921. 

Gubelmann, Rev. J. S., 1870-1884. 

Hacker, George, 1827. 


Hall, Edwin, 1866-1867. 

Hansell, WE, Do. Di Es547a1s5s 
1862-1871. 

Hansell, W. S., 1827-1834, 1837-1842, 
1853, 1856, 1864. 

Harrison, John C., D. D., 1845-1848. 

Hasilam*) ] Eb Doe 904 1 ie 

Hayhurst, Rev. I. W., 1840-1841. 

Henson, P.SiiD..De 1861s iss 

Hewson, John, 1841-1842. 

Higgins, Rev. George, 1840-1842, 
1845-1848. 

Hillegas, J. K., 1830. 

Hinman, D. B., 1833-1837, 1854. 

Hires, W. D., 1849. 

Hiscox, E. T., D. D., 1896-1902. 

Hopper, Boardman, 1922- 

Hopper, H. S., 1885-1918. 

Hormbercer LC. y PR. alee 
1884. 

Horr, G. C., D. D., 1894-1898. 

Hoskinson, J. B., 1873-1895. — 

Hoskinson, T. J., 1873-1884. 

Hoyt, Col. James A., 1890-1893. 

Hoyt, Wayland, D. D., 1883-1889, 
1896-1911. 

Huggens, Rev. Samuel, 1837. 

Hughes. D. Gr Gai anu 

Hutten, Isaac G., 1825-1826. 

Ide, G. B., D. D., 1842-1849. 

Irving, James, 1879-1886. 

Jacob, Robert U., 1893-1894. 

James, Israel E., 1835-1836. 

Jarman, Reuben, 1828-1829. 

Jayne, David, M. D., 1841-1849. 

Jeffrey, R., D. D., 1858-1860, 1862- 
1865. 

Jenkins, Harvey L., 1922- 

Jewell, Wilson, M. D., 1830, 1836, 
1838-1840. 

Johnson, G. G., D. D., 1921- 

Johnson, G. J., D. D., 1878-1885. 

Johnson, James, 1824-1826. 

Johnson, Reuben, 1824. 

Jones, Rev. David, 1827-1833. 


1871- 


| 404 | 


APPENDIX 


Jones, Hon. Horatio Gates, 1860- 
1892. 

Jones, John, 1837-1841. 

Keen, C. B., 1878-1886. 

Keen, W. Williams, 1866-1871. 

Keen, W. W., M. D., 1872-1883. 

Keller, Luther, 1909-1910, 1917-1918. 

iennards )Os,, tt. 1)1),, lb2/=1026, 
1832-1836, 1866. 

Kennard, Rev. J. S., 186.7-1871. 

Kempton, George, D. D., 1845-1852. 

Ketcham, Rev. F. W., 1842, 1848. 

Keyes, Rev. C. B., 1838-1840. 

Keyser, Charles, D. D., 1870-1872. 

Kitts, Rev. Thomas, Jr., 1827-1828, 
1830-1832. 

Knowles, J. D., D. D., 1824-1825. 

Knowles, L., 1838-1842. 

Lawson, A. G., D. D., 1893-1895, 
1919- 

Leas, D. P., 1887-1913. 

Lee, Franklin, 1836, 1843-1844, 1846- 
1853, 1857-1858. 

Lee, George, 1841-1842. 

Been vee) 1916. 

Levering, Joshua, 1885-1909. 

Levy, E. M., D. D., 1850-1858. 

Levy, John P., 1859-1867. 

Lewis, S. G., 1869. 

Lincoln, Heman, D. D., 1850-1852. 

Lincoln, H. E., 1862-1863. 

Lincoln, T. O., D. D., 1842-1844. 

Linnard, James M., 1836, 1839-1843, 
1846. 

Lisk, Rev. G. James, 1913-1918. 

Loud, Philologus, 1829. 

Loxley, Rev. B. R., 1839. 

Lyle, J. W., D. D., 1906-1922. 

Lynd, Samuel W., 1824-18206. 

MacArthur, Robert S., D. D., 1883. 

MacFarlane, H. K., 1918- 

MacKay, R. M., 1912-1918. 

Main, W. H., D. D., 1908- 

Malcom, Howard, D. D., 1827, 1850. 

Mann, William, 1864-1866. 


Mauck, J. W., LL. D., 1912-1914. 
Maylin, Jos., 1827-1833. 

McCloud, George, 1850. 

McKean, Rev. J. A., 1849-1853, 1856- 
1859. 

McKinney, H. N., 1897-1899, 
Meehan, John S., 1825-1826. 
Miles, Rev. George I., 1847-1853. 
Milford, H. J., 1867-1885. 

Miller, E. W., 1857. 

Morgan, Ebenezer, 1883-1887, 
Morgan, Rev. C. T., 1893-1895. 
Moss, Lemuel, D. D., 1873-1874. 
Mir) 2)) ts D018897191321918: 
Mulford, H. J., 1867-1884. 
Mulford, John, 1830-1838. 
Mustin, John, 1850. 

Myers, Thomas A., 1844. 

Norton Ge @. ul) De 806: 
Nugent, George, 1861-1883. 
Outlaw, George, 1825. 

Palmateer. GAs 71921: 

Parmley, W. H., D. D., 1892-1894. 
Patton, W., 1859. 

Peacock. ie) le, 1915-1918: 

Peddie, John, D. D., 1871-1878. 
Peltz, G. A., D. D., 1867-1870. 
Pendleton, J. M., D. D., 1866-1884. 
Perkins, D. W., 1903-1916. 

Perry, Rev. G. B., 1831-1832. 
Peters, Rev. L. E., 1857-1859. 
Pettit, W. V., 1852-1858. 

Phiups: J. GCG. Ph. D.-1919. 
Pidge, J. M. B., D. D., 1887-1888. 
Pierce, Robert F. Y., D. D., 1912- 








’ Poteat, E. M., D. D., 1899-1903. 


Price, O. J., Ph. D., 1912-1914. 

Randolph,Warren, 1859-1862, 1871- 
1877. 

Rannels, Rev. C. H., 1914. 

Reed, Enoch S., 1843. 

Reed, G. W., 1849. 

Reed, Isaac, 1833-1854. 

Reed, Jacob, 1835-1840, 1844. 

Rees, G. E., D. D., 1884-1909. 


| 405 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Remington, Rev. S., 1852-1853. 

~ Reynolds, Enoch, 1824-1825. 

Reynolds, Jos., 1831-1838. 

Rhees, Morgan J., D. D., 1831. 

Rhoades, J. D., Esq., 1916-. 

Rice, Rev. Luther, 1826. 

Richards, William H., 1828-1837. 

Riley, W. B., D. D., 1915-1918. 

Robinson, Rev. W. H., 1884-1887. 

Robinson, Frank, 1917- 

Roe, C. M., 1907. 

Rossin) lle ey 

Rosselle, W. Q., Ph. D., 1910- 

ROWiaud ssn ele lem hehe rte 
1919. 

Rue, L. L., 1903-1905, 1915- 

DAE wea ness aee 18OU: 

sagebeer, J. E., Ph: D., 1898- 

Sanford Revs bebe Olde 912: 

Schulz, Rev. Henry, 1888-1891. 

Search, Henry, D. D., 1889-1898. 

Searles, J. W., D. D., 1888-1899. 

Sexton, J. W., 1859-1860. 

Sexton, Silas W., 1827. 

miadtachi Mavi ately sae 
1841, 1845-1847. 

Sheppard, Joseph, 1837. 

Sherborne, F. P., 1835-1838. 

Shoemaker, Robert, 1857. 

Shoemaker, W. M., 1875-1877. 

Simmons) jy Ba Des 1866, 

Smith, John H., 1829. 

smith, Rev. 1). Hyatt, 1825,.1860- 
1866. 

Smith, J. Wheaton, D. D., 1854-1881. 

Snyder, W. F., 1875-1887. 

Staughton, James M., D. D., 1825- 
1826. 

Staughton, William, D. D., 1824- 
1826. 

Steinmetz, Adam, 1856. 

Stelle, D. B., D. D., 1913-1920. 

Stevens, John S., 1878-1905. 

Stewart, David T., 1839. 

Stout, J. W., 1870-1877. 


1838, 


Stow, Baron, D. D., 1826. 

Strong, Frank, LL. D., 1910-1911. 

Swartz, James, 1891-1903. 

Swetland, Roger W., LL. D., 1922- 

Swope, George, 1835, 1839, 1840- 
1843. 

Taylor, E. L., 1919- 

Taylor, Joseph, 1836. 

Taylor, Rev. R. T., 1850-1853. 

Thaw, Joseph, 1824. 

Thomas, B. D., D. D., 1873-1891. 

Thomas, Erasmus, M. D., 1827-1832. 

Thomas, Rev. Jesse B., D. D., 1883- 
1889. 

Tolman, Thomas, 1858-1865. 

Trevor, John B., 1834-1838, 1842. 

Tucker, Rev. C., 1850. 

Tucker, H? H.,-D. D.; LE) Dy 4335- 
1889. 

Tucker, Levi, D. D., 1834-1835. 

Tupper, Kerr B., D. D., 1896-1905. 

Tustin, Honi KE, (Ee eae ieeo. 
1921. 

Ustick, Stephen, 1825-1826. 

Wait, Samuel, 1825-1826. 


Walker, J. G:,;’ Day Dif 1885-18873 
1891-1914. (Editor ‘“ American 
Baptist Year-Book,” 1872-1884, 
1897-1915.) 


Walton, Charles S., 1900-1915. 

Walton, J., 1848. 

Warne, J. A., D. D., 1838-1839. 

Wattson, T., 1843-1844, 1855-1856, 
1866-1871. 

Webb, G. S., D. D., 1845-1846. 

Webster, P., 1833-1834. 

Welch, J. E., D. D., 1847-1848. 

Weston, H. G. DED, LEY DA tas 
1908. 

Wheat, Rev. A. C., 1855-1856. 

White, Thomas, 1844. 

Whitman, B. L., D. D., 1903-1907. 

Wilder, Rev. William, 1855-1868. 

Williams, Rev. C. C., 1843-1844. 

Williamson, W. J., D. D., 1913-1914. 


[ 406 ] 


APPENDIX 


Wilmarth, J. W., D. D., 1890-1903. 
Wilson, C. A., 1845. 


Winter, Rev. Thomas, D. D., 1850- 


1851. 


Wood, Byron, D. D., 1893-1907. 
Woolsey, Rev. J. J., 1836-1837. 
Wynne, Isaac C., D. D., 1833-1884. 
Young, Smith G., 1914- 


BIBEE AND ‘MISSIONARY SECRETARIES 


C. C. Bitting, D. D., 1883-1895. 


Robert G. Seymour, D. D., 1896- 


1912. 


Guy C. Lamson, D. D., 1913-1915. 
Samuel Graham Neil, D. D., 1918- 


IOS PRU ein DART ES 


Rev. Francis Smith, 1864-1865. 
Rev. Silas Illsley, 1864-1870. 


Rev. Sidney Dyer, Ph. D., 1864-1880. 


A. J. Johnson, D. D., 1864-1876. 
Rev. J. W. Stone, 1865-1868. 
Rev. J. N. Sykes, 1866. 

C. R. Blackall, M. D., 1867-1869. 
Rev. W. C. Van Meter, 1869. 
Rev. H. Daniels, 1869. 

Rev. W. C. Child, 1870-1872. 
Rev. F. G. Thearle, 1870-1880. 
Rufus Babcock, D. D., 1871-1872. 
Rev. D. C. Litchfield, 1873-1874. 
Andrew Pollard, D. D., 1874-1886. 
Rev. S. T. Levermore, 1874. 
Rev. James Waters, 1874-1876. 
Revi be K./Stimson; 1875. 

fee ei acipeese LD): DD. 18/6, 

Rev. D. T. Morrill, 1876-1877. 
Rev. Frank Remington, 1879-1882. 
M. T. Sumner, D. D., 1879-1880. 
G. M. Vanderlip, D. D., 1880-1883. 
Rey. A. H. Lung, 1882-1885. 
James Lisk, D. D., 1883-1884. 


Charlies tl. >palditizy atl), 1685- 
1914. 


James B. Simmons, D. D., 1886-1904. 


S. T. Clanton, D. D., 1891-1896. 
E. M. Brawley, D. D., 1892-1896. 
J. W. Harris, D. D., 1893-1896. 
O. F. Flippo, D. D., 1895-1904. 
W. C. Luther, D. D., 1896-1900. 
S. N. Vass, D. D., 1896-1918. 
Rev. E. S. Stucker, 1897-1900. 
Rev. Harvey Hatcher, 1897-1904. 
E. M. Stephenson, D. D., 1900-1902. 
T. J. Walne, D. D., 1901-1904. 
Rev. T. L. Ketman, 1903-1919. 
Rev. C. H. Rust, 1906. 

S. G. Neil, D. D., 1906-1917. 

Wo WePratt, DD 1907-1915; 


Rev. J. M. Robertson, 1907-1908. 


Rev. J. P. Jacobs, 1907-1915. 
Rev. Guy C. Lamson, 1912. 

Rev. G. L. White, 1913-1919. 
Rev. J. C. Robbins, 1913. 

Rev. P. H. J. Lerrigo, 1914-1916. 


MANAGERS 


H. V. Meyer, 1917-1920. 


H. E. Cressman, 1921- 


BOOK EDITORS 


J. N. Brown, D. D., 1850-1859. 
G. W. Anderson, D. D., 1864-1892. 


P. L. Jones, D. D., 1894-1913. 
Daniel G. Stevens, Ph. D., 1913- 


EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUNDAY SCHOOL PUBLICATIONS 


C. R. Blackall, D, D., 1883-1916. 


W. E. Raffety, Ph. D., 1916-1924. 


[ 407 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


SECRETARY OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 


YOUNG PEOPLE AND TEACHER-TRAINING 
W. E. Chalmers, D. D., 1912- 


SECRETARY OF SOCIAL EDUCATION 
Samuel Zane Batten, D. D., 1912- 


DIRECTOR OF VACATION AND WEEK-DAY SCHOOLS 
Thomas 'S, Young, D7 D.192)- 


DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY WORK 
Meme Brockway, 1916- 


[ 408 ] 


HEADQUARTERS 
OF 
THE AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY 


IN THE ONE HUNDRED YEARS 


WAS ELING DONS ac a, 
1—-1824-1826. Office of “ Columbian Star,” 925 E St., N. W. 


PEIVADE CEE Avs RA 


2—1826. Front St., west side, few doors below Market, second floor. 
(Rent $100 per year.) January to September 20, 1827. 


3—1827-1829. 118 North Fourth St. (A few shelves with David Clark.) 
September 20, 1827 to June 26, 1829. 


4—1829-1833. Northwest corner Fifth and North Sts. (Rent $200 per 
year.) June 26, 1829 to February 8, 1833. 


5—1833-1844. 21 South Fourth St. February 8, 1833 to April 1, 1844. 


6—1844-1850. 31 North Sixth St. (Rent $550 per annum.) ~ April 1, 
1844 to April, 1850. 


7—1850-1876. 530 Arch St. (Earlier number, 118 Arch St.) April 1, 
1850 to 1876. 


8—1876-1896. 1420 Chestnut St.* 1876-1896. 

9—1896-1898. 1632-4 Chestnut St. (Temporary 1896 to 1897.) 
10—1898-1906. 1420 Chestnut St.* 1898 to 1906. 

11—1906-1908. 1630 Chestnut St. (Temporary 1906 to 1908.) 
12—1908. 1701-1703 Chestnut St. 1908- 

1896. 1329 Lombard Street, the PrintiNG-HousE, dedicated October 12. 


18 and to have the same site. 


[ 409 | 


THE DATES AND PLACES OF HOLDING ANNUAL 
MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY 


1824. 


1825. 
1826. 
1827. 
1828. 
1829. 
1830. 
1831. 
1332, 
1833. 
1834. 


1835. 
1836. 
1837. 
1838. 
1839. 
1840. 
1841. 
1842. 
1843. 
1844. 


1845. 
1846. 
1847. 
1848. 
1849. 
1850. 
1851. 
1852. 
1853. 
1854. 


1855. 
1856. 
1857. 
1858. 


February 25. 


February 28. 


January 
January 
January 
January 
January 
January 
January 
January 
January 


January 
January 
January 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 
April 


May 
April 
April 
April 
April 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 


May 
May 
May 
May 





SEE eal lel eh oe teak nd ya 


Washington, D. C., at residence of Geo. Wood, 923 
Biota Nw: 

Washington, D. C. 

Washington, D. C. 

Philadelphia, Sansom Street Church. 

Philadelphia, New Market Street Church. 

Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 

Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 

Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 

Philadelphia, Fifth Baptist Church. 

Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 

Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 


Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, Spruce Street Church. 
Philadelphia, Sansom Street Church. 

New York City, Oliver Street Church. 
Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 

New York City, Tabernacle Church. 
Baltimore, Md., Sharpe Street Baptist Church. 
New York City, First Baptist Church 

Albany, N. Y., Pearl Street Church. 
Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 


Providence, R. I., First Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, Pa., First Baptist ‘Church. 
Philadelphia, Eleventh Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, Tenth Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, Eleventh Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, Fifth Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, First Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, Spruce Street Church. 
Philadelphia, Fifth Baptist Church. 


Chicago, Ill., First Baptist Church. 
New York City, Oliver Street Church. 
Boston, Charles Street Baptist Church. 
Philadelphia, First Church. 


[ 410 ] 


APPENDIX 


1859. May 16.° New York City, Tabernacle Baptist Church. 
1860. May 21. Cincinnati, Ohio, Ninth Street Church. 
1861. May 27. New York City, Strong Place Baptist Church. 


1862. May 30. Providence, R. I., First Baptist Church. 
1863. May 23. Cleveland, Ohio, First Baptist Church. 
1864. May 23. Philadelphia, Pa., Spruce Street Baptist Church. 


1865. May 21. St. Louis, Mo., Second Baptist Church. 

1866. May 20. Boston, Mass., First Baptist Church. 

1867. May 22 eChicaco-. Wie Fiests Church, 

1868. May 24. New York City, Madison Avenue Baptist Church. 
1869. May 20. Boston, Mass., Tremont Temple Baptist Church. 
1870. May 25. Philadelphia. 

1871. May 19. Chicago, Farwell Hall. 

1872. May 22. New York City, Calvary Baptist Church. 

1873. May 228 albany, Ni Ye 

1874. May 22. Washington, D. C., Calvary Baptist Church. 


1875. May 28. Philadelphia, First Church. 

1876. May 25. Buffalo, N. Y., Washington Street Church. 
1877. May 25. Providence, R. I., First Church. 

1878. May 28. Cleveland, First Church. 

1879. May 28: Saratoga, N. Y., Pirst* Church: 

1880. May  27-28.. Saratoga, N. Y., First Church. 

1881. May 18. Indianapolis, First Church. 

1882. May 27. New York City, First Church. 

1883. May 23-28. Saratoga, N. Y., First Church. 

1884. May 21-22. Detroit, Michigan, First Church. 


1885. May 30. Saratoga, N. Y., First Church. 
1886. May 29-31. Asbury Park, N. J. 

1887. May 25-29. Minneapolis, Minn., First Church, 
1888. May 20-21. Washington, D. C. 

1889. May 19. Boston, Mass., Tremont Temple. 
1890. May 22. Chicago, Immanuel Church. 

1891. May 22. Cincinnati, Ohio. 

1892. May 29. Philadelphia, Pa., Grace Temple. 
1893. May 24. Denver, Colorado, First Church. 
1894. May eo weraritocaeN., \- 





1895. June lop yatatoras Ne oy: 

1896. May 20. Asbury Park, N. J. 

1897. May 21. Pittsburgh, Pa. 

1898. May 21. Rochester, N. Y. . 

1899. May 24. San Francisco, Calif., First Church. 


[ 411 | 


1900. 
1901. 
1902. 
1903. 
1904. 


1905. 
1906. 
1907. 
1908. 
1909. 
1910. 
1911. 
1912. 
1913. 
1914. 


1915. 
1916. 
1917. 
1918. 
1919, 
1920. 
1921. 
1922. 
1923. 
1924. 


May 
May 
May 
May 
May 


May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
June 


May 
May 
May 
May 
May 
June 
June 
June 
May 


25. 
Vay 
22. 
24. 
19. 


eas 
17. 
18. 
Ze. 
28. 

rf 
Ly 
Hs, 
24. 
IVE 


24. 
17; 
16-22. 
15-21. 
21-27. 
24-28. 
25-27. 
16. 
25-29. 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


Detroit, Michigan, Woodward Ave. Church. 
Springfield, Mass., First Highland Church. 
St. Paul, Minn., First Church. 

Bitalo Nay. 

Cleveland, Euclid Ave. Church. 


St. Louis, Mo., Third Church. 

Dayton, First Church. 

Washington, D. C., Calvary Church. 
Oklahoma City, First Church. 

Portland, Oregon. 

Chicago, Univ. Campus. 

Philadelphia, Grace Temple. 

Des Moines, Iowa. 

Detroit, Mich., Woodward Ave. Church. 
Boston, Mass., Tremont Temple. 


Los Angeles, Calif. 
Minneapolis, Minn. 
Cleveland, Ohio. 
Atlantic City. 
Denver, Colorado. 
Buffalo, N. Y. 

Des Moines, Iowa. 
Indianapolis, Ind. 
Atlantic City. 


May 28—June 3. Milwaukee, Wis.* 


1 Appointment made. 


[ 412 | 


SUMMARIES OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND 
STATISTICS 


These summaries are made up of facts and figures given in the sources 
and are in no case derived from “estimates” of ours. 

In the summary called “Annals” it has seemed best to regard the 
year as the time between the annual meetings rather than the calendar 
year. 

In the chart showing the output of the Society in the issues of the last 
decade periodicals only are included. If the books and pamphlets and 
tracts for this decade were added the total would be considerably above 
two billion copies, fifty billion pages, and one hundred seventy million 
volumes. It should be said also that in no decade do the figures here 
given represent more than half of the actual distribution of religious 
literature, in libraries and Bibles and tracts. 

Following the excellent custom established in the days of Prof. Hiram 
Reed, the master of statistical summaries, we have reduced all pages to 
royal octavo used in this volume. 


ee 


[ 413 | 


: : itd hae a Pay 5 Pi 
| | 
‘ 





Perec, 





ANNALS OF THE GOLDEN CENTURY 
1824-1924 





CLEAR THE WAY 


There’s a fount about to stream, 

There’s a light about to gleam, 

There’s a flower about to blow, 

There’s a warmth about to glow, 

There’s a midnight blackness changing into gray. 
Men of thought, men of action, clear the way. 


Aid its dawning, tongue and pen, 

Aid it, hopes of honest men, 

Aid it, paper, aid it, type, 

Aid it for the hour is ripe, 

For our earnest must not slacken into play, 
Men of thought, men of action, clear the way. 


—McKay. 


Pen 


MEN, 
tt! Shea! ' 
i ee} 


‘ 





YEAR BY YEAR 


1824-1834 


1824.—* The Columbian Star” of February 21, 1824, contained a call for 
a meeting in the home of George Wood, to consider the formation of 
a Baptist Tract Society, Wednesday evening, February 25. Pursuant 
to the call twenty-five persons, eighteen men and seven women, met, 
and selected as chairman Dr. Wm. Staughton, the president of Colum- 
bian College. 

By unanimous action the Baptist General Tract Society was organ- 
ized, a constitution adopted with a full list of officers. 

1824-1825.—Mr. J. D. Knowles reported the publication of 85,500 pages of 
nineteen tracts. 

1825-1826.—Mr. George Wood and Mr. Noah Davis made.a special appeal 
for the removal of the Headquarters of the Society to Philadelphia 
so as to facilitate transportation and save expense. 

1826-1827.—Noah Davis being persuaded to accept the agency of the Society 
at a special meeting of the Managers, the transfer to Philadelphia was 
ordered, November 26, 1827. 

Mr. Simmes, an apothecary on Chestnut Street, received boxes, pack- 
ages, and letters at Philadelphia dock, reshipping to their destination 
for two years without compensation. 

1827-1828.—The first periodical issued was “ The Baptist Tract Magazine,” 
July, 1827. Receipts for the year, $3,158.04. Tracts issued, 1,346,024 
royal octavo pages. Mr. N. R. Cobb, of Boston, proposed to give 
$500 on condition that the Philadelphia brethren give a like sum. This 
was done, and $1,000 added. 

1828-1829.—Population of the U. S. 11,000,000 souls. One in 46 a Baptist. 
Inquiries come in for “‘ Sunday-school statistics” occasioned by quite 
a number of adventurous churches having sent in full accounts of their 
schools and teaching activities to their Associations in the church 
letters. 

1829-1830.— Youth’s Magazine,” a section of “Tract Magazine,” issued 
separately for 25 cents a year. The Society’s first legacy $20 from 
a “Sister in the Lord” in Connecticut. “The time may come when 
the number of schools in our denomination will be so great as to 
require the Society to publish a series of Sabbath-school books suited 
to their needs.” From last report of Noah Davis. 

1830-1831.—The President of the Board, Dr. W. T. Brantly, served as Agent 
the first half of the year until the arrival of a successor to Noah 
Davis, Rev. Ira M. Allen. 


[417 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








1831-1832,—Doctor Judson, of Burma, made a strong plea for tracts as the 
new press of Doctor Bennett, of Rangoon, could not supply the de- 
mand. It was proposed that the Society raise “’$10,000 for tracts here 
and $10,000 for there.” 


1832-1833.—Captain Tubbs of Philadelphia placed some of our tracts in 
the hands of Mr. J. G. Oncken, Hamburg, Germany, which led to 
Baptist work in five European countries. J. M. Peck called for tracts 
for his large field in the West. A missionary in Sault St. Marie, 
Canada, Rev. E. Cameron, read one of our tracts and became con- 
vinced, and was baptized according to the New Testament with three 
of his Indians. 


1833-1834.—The Rev. Levi Tucker and Mr. John B. Trevor were added to 
the Board. Dr. Nathaniel Colver and R. W. Cushman from New 
York spoke to the report of the Board. 


1834-1844, 


1834-1835.—The Board received a strong appeal for a library for Sunday 
schools and for a Sunday School Union to issue literature suitable to 
our convictions. A bound volume of our own tracts under the title 
of “ Baptist Manual” proved a great power in explaining our position. 
A fund was opened to give the Baptist Manual to every family in the 
Mississippi Valley. 


1835-1836.— The Tract Magazine” was superseded by the “ Monthly 
Folio.” Reports speak of great interest in Germany. Doctor Judson 
wrote of the popularity of American Baptist tracts in Burma and made 
a plea for another grant. Triennial Convention urged the Society to 
enlarge its work and issue bound.volumes. 


1836-1837._Joseph Kennard, Jacob Reed, and W. Williams Keen were 
added to the Board. 


1837-1838.—Dr. Barnas Sears urged advanced work among Germans in 
America. A letter from Germany records an interview which the 
King of Prussia sought with our brethren Oncken, Lehman, and 
Schauffer to learn the meaning of the Baptist principle. The date 
of holding annual meeting changed to spring. One thousand five hun- 
dred copies of Baptist Manual sold. 


1838-1839.—The Board in its report urged the request of the Triennial 
Convention that the Society issue bound books which would set forth 
our peculiar doctrines, and to publish Sunday-school books, biographi- 
cal, historical, and doctrinal, suited to the understanding of the schol- 
ars. The names of G. B. Ide and B. R. Loxley added to the list of 
managers. Baron Stow moved that the report of the Board proposing 
enlarged work of the Society be carried out. Motion carried. 


[ 418 | 


APPENDIX 





1839-1840.—The name of the Society changed to American Baptist Pub- 
lication and Sunday School Society. It became the first Colportage 
Society in the world. B. R. Loxley became General Agent. Bound 
volumes begin to come from our press. G. B. Ide, President. 
W. Williams Keen, Treasurer. 

1840-1841.—-Annual report read by Morgan J. Rhees, Corresponding Sec- 
retary. The “ Baptist Record,’ which had superseded the “ Monthly 
Folid,” becomes a weekly. The Society asked by the Triennial Con- 
vention to publish a denominational hymn-book. 

1841-1842—The Board planned a “ Family Library” and a “ Sunday School 
Library.’ Ten thousand copies of Baptist Almanac sold. Record 3,300 
weekly. 

1842-1843.—J. M. Peck elected Corresponding Secretary, succeeding Doctor 
Rhees. The Board called for two copies of minutes of all associa- 
tions. 

1843-1844.—The Society issued the new hymn-book, the Psalmist, and sold 
more than 30,000 copies. Twelve thousand copies of the Baptist 
Almanac sold. The words ‘“ Sunday School” were dropped from 
the name but not from the work of the Society. The Society called 
for a capital fund of. $50,000. 


1844-1854 

1844-1845.—The population in the West doubling every ten years. Our 
colporters bestow special attention on Sunday schools, temperance, and 
missions. Complete works of Andrew Fuller to be published. 

1845-1846.—Stereotyped edition of Howell’s “ Scriptural Communion” and 
“Deaconship.” The Society offers to place a colporter in a destitute 
region for $100 a year. Thomas S. Malcom succeeds J. M. Peck as 
Corresponding Secretary. 

1846-1847.—A bound volume of our tracts entitled ‘ Reign of Grace” from 
the initial tract. One hundred dollars sent to Holland through Doctor 
Oncken in response to a call for aid of a convert to our faith, Rev. 
Mr. Feisser. Twenty missionary-colporters at work in eleven States. 

1847-1848.—New editions of Carson’s works, Howell on “ The Deaconship,” 
Bunyan’s “ Pilgrim’s Progress,” Baptist Manual, Pengilly in French. 
Eighteen colporters at work in ten States, three Germans, one of them 
a converted Romanist. 

1848-1849—The new publications numbered fifteen. The $10,000 fund 
completed. The building fund is now $1,659.07. 

1849-1850.—J. Newton Brown began work as Book Editor. The Society en- 
tered its new building at 530 Arch Street, and Doctor Brown read his 
paper on the history of the Society. Twenty-one colporters in eleven 
States. The second Sunday in June set apart as a day of prayer for 
the Society. 


[419 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


1850-1851.—The Charter of the Society made perpetual by the Legislature 
of Pennsylvania in virtue of the act of April 14, 1841. 

1851-1852—The number of missionary-colporters has reached 34. Two 
brethren set apart $2,500 each as a permanent fund for this work. 
The Society asked that the second Sunday in June be set apart perma- 
nently as a day of prayer and offerings for the work of the Society. 
Oncken having translated Pengilly on Baptism into German, asked for 
$1,000 to publish it. The money was gathered and sent. 

1852-1853.—The first number of the “ American Baptist Register” gives 
the number of churches of our faith in the U. S. as 10,000, and gives 
the names of pastors and their addresses. The Historical Society was 
formed as a Department of The American Baptist Publication Society 
with Dr. Wm. R. Williams, of New York, President. 

1853-1854.—A depository opened in Chicago with Leroy Church in charge. 
Rev. Wm. Shadrach chosen as Corresponding Secretary succeeding 
T. S. Malcom. The first annual report of the Historical Department 
was read and printed. A group of women set about to raise a fund 
for a new home for the Society. Before the Arch Street property was 
bought and paid for 1,000 women had given $10 each. 


1854-1864. 
1854-1855.—First meeting of the Society to be held in Chicago, J. P. 


Crozer presided. Justin T. Smith made district agent for Chicago. 


Rev. C. F. Hejdenberg, a Swedish pastor, became converted to our 
views and went to Hamburg to be baptized, and on his return baptized 
many converts and organized four churches. 

1855-1856.—The Society bought out the New England Sunday School 
Union for $6,715. “The Young Reaper” which had been published by 
the Union was issued in improved form with an edition of 30,000. The 
first Sunday-school question-book for Baptists issued this year. 

1856-1857.—Dr. Benjamin Griffith was elected General Secretary to suc- 
ceed Doctor Shadrach. Depository enlarged. Sixty-eight colporters 
laboring in 17 States. 

1857-1858.—All operations and industries feel the clogging of financial 
depression all over the land. “The $50,000 capital fund should be 
made $100,000 for the needs of the Baptists are strongly felt.” 

1858-1859.—Missionary-colporters instructed to constitute Baptist Sunday 
schools as well as union schools. The Board by unanimous reso- 
lution voted to ask the denomination for an enlargement fund of 
$100,000. 

1859-1860.—The Society began a series of Sunday-school question-books 
suitable for Baptist schools. During the year the colporters of the 
Society organized 34 churches, baptized 722 converts, 


| 420 | 


a ee 


APPENDIX 








1860-1861.—‘‘ The Children’s Choir,” a new Sunday-school song-book, is 
issued and is meeting a large sale. Wm. Phelps elected President of 
the Society. 


1861-1862.—Brethren Crozer and Bucknell agreed to enlarge the building 
to relieve the crowded condition if the friends would add an equal 
sum to the working capital. Conditions met and the addition made, 
with no debt save one of gratitude. 


1862-1863.—Jonathan Davis gave his $2,500 fund for colportage work, and 
John P. Crozer his library fund of $10,000. 


1863-1864—Dr. George W. Anderson appointed Book Editor. Fifty col- 
porters at work, and fifty more needed at once in the growing West 
and among the freedmen in the South. 


1864-1874 
1864-1865.—* National Baptist’? founded; 50 men contributing the neces- 
sary fund. ‘“ First Reader for Freedmen” and “ The Freedman’s Book 


of Christian Doctrine” issued. 


1865-1866.—A missionary Memorial Fund in honor of John P. Crozer, 
$50,000. Samuel Patten left a colporter fund of $2,000. By mutual 
agreement the Swedish work was committed to the Missionary 
Union. 


1866-1867.—The Society was requested to issue a “ Year-Book” and a new 
_ Baptist Hymnal. The field men requested to constitute new schools 
and improve old ones. 


1867-1868.—The Society more and more generally acknowledged as the 
Sunday-school Society of the denomination. The first Year-Book 
issued with the purpose to make of it an annual publication. 


1868-1869.—The Board asked the Society to consider the appointment of a 
Sunday-school superintendent for the whole country. The Society 
began issuing Lesson Helps in advance of the International System, 
and gained a subscription of 10,000. The first Baptist National Sun- 
day School Convention was held in St. Louis in November through 
the efforts of Dr. C. R. Blackall of the Chicago House, and largely 
directed by Mr. E. D. Jones of St. Louis. 


1809-1870.—The St. Louis Convention led to the publication of the “ Baptist 
Teacher” and the appointment of Dr. Warren Randolph as Sunday 
School Secretary. 


1870-1871.—The Society brought out a new hymn-book. “ Young People” 
has reached a sale of 2,294,288 copies; “ Baptist Teacher,” 300,000 
copies; “Macedonian and Record,” 125,000 copies; “ Bible Lessons,” 
1,000 copies. 


[ 421 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








1871-1872——The Second Baptist National Sunday School Convention held 
in Cincinnati, under the direction of Doctor Randolph. Doctor Black- 
all read a paper advocating the suggestion of B. F. Jacobs favoring 
Uniform Lessons. 

1872-1873.—‘‘ Our Littie Ones” entered on its career, a worthy competitor 
for public favor. - Doctor Blackall, at the suggestion of Mr. Jacobs 
and Edward Eggleston, prepared a prospectus covering a whole year 
and took it in person to show Doctor Griffith who accepted the sug- 
gestion in full. 


1873-1874.—Bible Lessons and Primary Lessons issued. Hovey-Gregory 
“Normal Class Manual” published, which antedated by two years 
Doctor Vincent’s ‘“ Normal Class” a high-grade publication. 


1874-1884 


1874-1875.—Baptist question-bookon the International Lessons. One 
hundred new Sunday schools organized. Thirty thousand Bibles sold 
by colporters. Dr. J. Hatcher Smith laid the corner-stone for a new 
building, 1420 Chestnut Street. 


1875-1876.—The Society moved into its new building on Chestnut Street. 
A complete commentary on the New Testament with Doctor Hovey 
as Editor-in-Chief is a project of the Society. ) 

1876-1877—The Third National Baptist Sunday School Institute held in 
Boston. Dr. Warren Randolph closed his secretarial work to reenter 
the pastorate. 

1877-1878.—Dr. G. J. Johnson appointed Missionary-Secretary. Dr. P. W. 
Bickel selected. by the Society to establish a Publication House in 
Germany, accepted the work, and left Cleveland for that post. Ques- 
tion-books superseded by graded quarterlies. 

1878-1879.—An encouraging word comes from the work of Doctor Bickel 
in Germany. Five new missionaries employed. 

1879-1880.—The Board projected, and the Society executed a centenary 
celebration of Robert Raikes founding a Sunday school in Gloucester, 
England, which netted the Society for Sunday-school extension the sum 
of $10,000. 

1880-1881—“ Advanced Quarterly,” the “Intermediate Quarterly,” and 
Picture Lesson Cards now reenforce the list of lesson helps, and the 
“ Sunlight ” has been put into the field to reenforce “ Young Reaper.” 

1881-1882.—Rev. Benjamin Griffith, D. D., this year rounds out twenty-five 
years of service as General Secretary of the Society. 

1882-1883.—This year was the memorable Bible Convention at Saratoga 
when the Bible Work of the denomination was committed to the So- 


ciety. The Baptist Hymnal appeared and met with an enormous initial 
sale. } 


[ 422 ] 


APPENDIX 


1883-1884.—Interesting instances of cooperation of Southern brethren in the 
Society’s work for Negroes in the South, Dr. C. C. Bitting appointed 
Bible Secretary. 


1884-1894 


1884-1885.—Doctor Bickel reported his work completed, and the German 
Publication Society. established and self-supporting. Dr. G. J. John- 
son retired as Missionary Secretary, and his work was united with Bible 
work under Doctor Bitting. “Senior Quarterly” and “ Baptist Super- 
intendent ”’ added to the list. 


1885-1886.—By agreement of the Societies all Bible money to be gathered 
by The American Baptist Publication Society. 


1886-1887.—The total issuance of the Society from the beginning to the 
present 330,087,724 copies of tracts, books, and periodicals, an average 
daily output of 1,483,000 pages for the entire period. 


1887-1888.—The Society established a Depository in Atlanta, not for finan- 
cial reasons, but as a necessary method of business for a denomina- 
tional Society. 


1888-1889.—A resolution favoring advanced work in Bible translation and 
urging the Society to undertake it. Great need of the distribution of 
the Scriptures mentioned in the reports from the field. 


1889-1890.—The Society is employing 132 workers in 37 States. The yearly 
increase for the last 40 years has been 410 ordained ministers, 645 
churches, 61,108 members. 


1890-1891.—The first chapel car was dedicated at Cincinnati, May 23, 1891. 


1891-1892.—The completed revision of the Bible Union Version of the New 
Testament was announced, and the books on sale. Dr. C. C. Bitting 
made a plea for chapel car No. 2 and received $3,071. 


1892-1893.—Chapel car Evangel in its first year visited 88 places, held 424 
sessions, 474 sermons, 400 conversions, 4 Sunday schools organized, 
and 8 churches. The Young People’s Union sold to the organization 
in Chicago. Chapel car No. 2 completed, and a friend in New York 
agrees to build No. 3 if other will build No. 4. 


1893-1894.—Doctor Griffith’s departure, October 24, 1894. The Board chose 
Col. C. H. Banes to the office of Secretary. Chapel car No. 3 dedi- 
cated and car No. 4 nearing completion. 


1894-1904 
1894-1895.—Dr. A. J. Rowland of Baltimore, Recording Secretary of the 
Society, becomes General Secretary, February 24, 1895. Eighty-five 
missionary-colporters besides Sunday-school missionaries at work in 
the States. 


[ 423 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








1895-1896.—February 2, 1896, the fine building on Chestnut Street de- 
stroyed by fire. October 12 marked the completion and the dedication 
of the new Printing-house on Juniper and Lombard Streets. 
A satisfactory trial with a hired wagon in the woods of Michigan 
by the Sunday-school missionary, assisted by Robert Bailey, pastor at 


Pentwater. 
1896-1897.—The Board decided to rebuild on the Chestnut Street site, and 
reported the building well under way. “ Sunlight” gives way to “ Boys 


and Girls,’ May 27, 1897. First wagon dedicated at Plainwell, Michi- 
gan. The wagon given by Dr. J. Fletcher, and equipment and team by 
other friends and Sunday schools. 

1897-1898.—The completion and formal opening of the new Headquarters 
in place of the one destroyed, November 17, 1897. “ Sursum Corda,” 
a book of praise for the congregation, issued from the Society’s press. 
A new covered wagon fitted for living replaced the missionary wagon 
and was dedicated in Jackson, Michigan, in April, 1898, as Colportage 
Wagon No.1. Wagon No. 2 sent to Utah, gift of Mr. Crozer, Jay 
Pruden in charge. Wagon No. 3, gift of friends in Michigan, dedi- 
cated in Grand Rapids for work among the Danes; J. Larson in 
charge. 

1898-1899.—-For the first time the Society has employed women in co- 
operation with churches in Spokane, Wilmington, Philadelphia. The 
experiment is a success. 


1899-1900.—The Society has now 11 wagons and 5 chapel cars. The Busi- 
ness Department from 1824 to 1874 gave the Missionary Department 
$250,000. The Norwalk Baptist Church of Ohio, Rev. Herbert Agate, 
pastor, made a gift of wagon No. 13 for Nebraska. 


1900-1901.—Modahl Memorial Wagon dedicated to go among the Swedes 
in Minnesota. Miss Augusta Soderburg.appointed a missionary among 
the Finns in Finland. The Society has sold more books from our own 
presses than in any former year. 


1901-1902.—The Martin J. Lewis Memorial Wagon dedicated by South 
Dakota Convention for work in the Dakotas. A new wagon has been 
sent to Arizona, and one to East Washington, gift of friends of the 
McMichaels who retire from a long service. 


1902-1903.—Dr. A. J. Rowland at the Convention in Buffalo offered the 
following resolution: ‘“ We request the committee of reference on ap- 
pointment to take into consideration the possibility of such affiliations 
of the several societies as will secure their annual assembling not 
simply as separate organizations, but as one council or body.” 


1903-1904.—On, the Committee of Reference, Dr. H. G. Weston and Dr. 


Emory W. Hunt will act for the Society. The new “ Story Quarterly ” 
launched. 


[ 424 | 


APPENDIX 


1904-1914, 


1904-1905.—A new emphasis being laid on teacher-training. A few States 
are beginning to feel a larger responsibility for more effective work 
in Sunday schools. 


1905-1906.—The sale of the Crozer Building one of the events of the year. 
Rev. S. G. Neil becomes District Superintendent succeeding Doctor 
Flippo. The First Colportage Cruiser, The Mamie Beal, Captain D. W. 
Townsend in charge, is operating on the Columbia River. 


1906-1907.—Rev. C. H. Rust after many years of service with the Society, 
reenters the pastorate. The O. F. Flippo Memorial Wagon dedicated 
for work in Delaware placed in charge of Mr. Stewart. 


1907-1908.—Announcement was made of a new site for the Headquarters 
of the Society, 1701-1703 Chestnut Street, and a seven-story building 
well on the way to completion. A new missionary periodical, “ World- 
Wide,” has been added to our list, and “Our Boys and Girls” has 
been superseded by “ Girl’s World” and “ Youth’s World.” 


1908-1909.—At an expense of $20,000 the Society took over the burdens 
and risks of the B: Y. P. U. of A. January, 1909. C. M. Roe, long 
connected with the Society, resigned as Business Manager. Harry V. 
Meyer from the Philadelphia House became Manager in Boston. 


1909-1910.—A good beginning has been made in “ Keystone Graded Les- 
sons,’ the new International Lesson Courses. C. M. Phillips was 
called from Indiana to reenforce the editorial staff. 


1910-1911.—One of our colportage wagons and its missionary accom- 
panied by Doctor Seymour and Rev. Joe Jacobs, entered the famous 
Jackson’s Hole in Wyoming. George L. White appointed District 
superintendent for the Pacific Coast. Twenty-five denominations united 
in forming the Sunday School Council of Evangelical Denominations. 


1911-1912—The United Society of Free Baptist Young People, through 
Harry S. Meyers, consummated the Union with the Young People’s 
Department of The American Baptist Publication Society. The com- 
bination of the young people’s work and the teacher-training work into 
the Educational Department, with Rev. W. E. Chalmers as Secretary, 
marked an advance. 

1912-1913.—Rev. Daniel G. Stevens, Ph. D., becomes Book Editor suc- 
ceeding Dr. P. L. Jones. In Doctor Chalmers’ Department the old 
title, “ Sunday School Missionary,” gives way to that of “ Director of 
Religious Education.” 

1913-1914.—A second cruiser for the Netherlands of California dedicated 
at Suisum Bay, while a third is being constructed as a memorial to 
Dr. Robert G. Seymour and named for him. 


[ 425 | 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 





1914-1924 


1914-1915—The last report of Dr. Adoniram Judson Rowland consisted of 
a resumé of “ Two Decades” and the ‘“ Pupil’s Work Exhibit.” The 
award went to the First Church of Denver. Great stress was laid 
on the work of religious education in the report. 


1915-1916.— Harry V. Meyer brought from Boston to be Business Manager 
at Headquarters. All evangelical denominations approve the New 
Standard Teacher-training Course of 120 lessons. In twenty States 
Miss Meme Brockway, Director of Children’s Work, reports directors 
of children’s work free of salary. 


1916-1917.—Dr. Christopher R. Blackall, after fifty years of responsibility 
as Editor-in-Chief of Sunday School Publications, laid down the 
task, and W. Edward Raffety, Ph. D., was called to that important 
work. 


1917-1918.—The year marked by great advance in the Department of Re- 
ligious Education and that of Sunday-school courses and periodicals. 
The Society more and more a cooperating force in assemblies, Con- 
ventions, and city institutes,’ through its departments of Religious 
Education and of Social Education. 


-1918-1919.—Early in the Convention year Mr. Frank H. Robinson was 
chosen Acting General Secretary. The Bible and Field Department 
reorganized with Dr. S. G. Neil as Superintendent. In December, 
1918, Gilbert N. Brink, D. D., was elected General Secretary of the 
Society. Doctor Chalmers instituted an annual Directors’ Conference 
at Strontia Springs, Denver. 


1919-1920.—A new set of By-laws approved and adopted by the Society. 
Rev. Seldon Roberts called to the Division of Teacher-training. Mr. 
George L. Estabrook was elected Treasurer of the Society, and H. E. 
Cressman Assistant Treasurer. Mr. Albert Hughes becomes Manager 
of the St. Louis House. 


1920-1921.—The publication of a series to be known as Judson Training 
Manuals was authorized. The Keystone Series of lesson courses com- 
pleted. A Joint Bureau of Architecture formed, with Mr. Merrill for 
the Home Mission Society, and H. E. Tralle for the Publication So- 
ciety, is announced. Dr. Samuel Zane Batten has reorganized his 
Division with the title of Department of Social Education. 


1921-1922.—Branch house established at Los Angeles. Harry Windisch of 
Periodical Department has rounded out 40 years of service. Mr. H. E. 
Cressman became Business Manager. Joseph E. Sagebeer, Ph. D., 
became legal advisor of the Society. Rev. W. H. Main, D. D., becomes 
Associate General Secretary of the Board. 


[ 426 | 


APPENDIX 


1922-1923.—Dr. Samuel Graham Neil reports automobile chapel car named 
“Crawford Memorial” to work at present in Southern California and 
Mexico. He also announced a new Russian Bible from our press, of 
one volume of 1,527 pages, the first edition costing $36,000. Summer 
Assemblies reported in all States in the Northern Baptist Convention 
except two. Doctor Raffety delivers the Yale Sunday School lectures 
through the year. Dr. Daniel G. Stevens, Ph. D., the Book Editor, 
represents the Society in the Baptist World Alliance. 


[ 427 | 





| | = | | | | | 1: 
Ibg‘grlbheb grig¢|€1Z 665/229 ‘21|92Q‘E| 200‘ 69/196 SESS ‘bl izh Lee 088 ‘gtg ‘1 |Szz‘oSo0‘SZ|g6€ ‘o1b|So0'zSe1 061 ‘€gS 6£|996 ‘60g 1|zg0%gi***** eo], 
| | | | | | 
| | 


| | | | | 
988 ‘z sears eae zZS _ |z€1Soz|/gtZ oss ‘1/ Pre ‘go1|gZQ‘Qre ieee ee ee zo0*ZShSE1|9S1 ‘664 





















































| 
| 
| PII“ S|< =" Vz6I-Fror 
| | | | | | | | | 
196‘z |g1g‘gg |giS‘11/SSS‘z |goh |Loo‘Zr|gre*Shr‘1lofz‘€g |gSt‘ogz lo1g‘ob1‘6 |ge1‘06 |o6E‘Eor |zor‘org‘Z |66E‘ozh |zoS‘i]**: t161-F061 
| | ral. | 
096‘z |111‘1z |66g‘g |géz‘e |PZ€ |61S*Z jov€‘z1g |1Z0‘%€9 |S11‘061 |6g6‘ogg‘g |ghz‘6€ |Zog‘ézz |066‘6g6‘S |€Z1‘1gz eis bob61-r6gI 
| | | | | | | 
OiL 22 -\105 Ss |4z1°S |Lg6‘E |ogh |go06‘Z |g60‘EgE |FEL‘or |€z6‘1S1 [€gg‘EErSo€|LyEsz€ |SEo%goe |Z19‘g9g‘°Z |gez‘gez Beal te F6gI-Fggr 
| | | | | | | | 
SIE*P |696‘org [EFL |1€6°S |S1g jIFhSoI|6gE‘zgg |zto*gg |tgh‘Zgq |196‘ gf *zr|rzbéz11 6Z4g°1SE |6zo‘6z2hsb jooof1ZE |zErszl*°° bggrI-o”gr 
| | | | | | | | | | 
ene eee Se Ge tee he eon | ae ae CE pg ee Senta es Ge Se see 
as ses oa 8 oe i a ae rie an O @ 08 30 ae) oe a gs 
PEM Eee erst oe tne | ee gE | Ss a Za & nad Ss | ge pr ae 
=e Rates lavee mle a or ao 7 ns Tato oO Sate) a 2 ee 
ra o° aa = epg | envio wo S Do eon a Fh = ae 7 
ow op) - Beppe aw ay =: oe a } SUVHA 
ne So & to S| | ® 3 a | Fh 
ea | 8 Ee ES = - | 
a D AS a 5 | 

















HOTAYWHS SUVAA ALHOIA AO AUVIWIANS V 
ALHIVOS NOLLVOITHOd LSLLIdVa NVOIMANV AHL 











































































































































































































































































































eqiges [hae | | eee Pe eae Be | | Ree Poe. 
fz |€z1 |6 [gr |€z |Z |1Z [061 |Zor [49 |6€ [1b [zh |ZE (€6E Re ie z i [SES | gor (Sy [gtr (69) [x Eze jer’ spice £e fees sieht e  Tese Ys 
| | | | | | | | | (eo | Ste 
eo = ee on | | eed ed eed Ghd Pena gor? baie | eh 
=e eyo en ee te ON Oca Pe CIES. (Orv lOE-|S2 (Gr a| Vero it [re "9" |S Pol SS te lOle (eon Aeme PT Ie Oeil Some ene OCH TOL On 
ie Pee OTe Tee htt OL OS ete ce | oeat GtatG Or ste l= (SOL Ph Ice Nyt wg Over tgtas \feeifem igen ePoee 1ONMer ecu bees "t+" 0161-0061 
ee Ve ee otc ke oe Es oe (Ou Toke ivi he ee (Shs Cre Ceniee. oe sh Ore Tre, | kT corsa G See oes es eee s*29* 0061-06g1 
OR eRe te: SPC ROSONE Gat a Olle dee ah rei Poe hes 1Soyc ~ pole Ocal ee io cee |S sacha PT EQ fPECPry SO Vee gem cate. | eee 72" O6QI-0ggI 
evele o. oer Peake sae apes tp eutee (19 |o1 |I I |1 I CaO sg ¢£ oe lity z |g |Z real OE arn RO ca FS j= teh E eeeee ooeere OggI-oZgI 
OS fae eee ceelp BSE Aa |6 ceetecs Spseeie ss ceele OI [shor jie (Hee |9 eee Cy CN ES I Way Seca es <6 ase ee eee OLgrI-0ggI 
s°°lCp fe 6 --*l6r Cy Le eeelpg ie a. ee ee el TT Sa Ie v [ieee ea |zs i Sonia bh ae Pea ae ee jsacieasit ee eee oggtI-oSgI 
Cz Re lhe ae esi {atch I eS CS gl WOE SC Ae CES CN [aC te ZI ed ae e pease o- ee se lee ee eee oSgI-orgi 
| be | = | | | | eee | [aleeshles: es ee Pe 
Hl atalalta | ae ae ese) uF bas 
pes bese 1 Sal nih bayer ll oe lee ie ome bewe male | muse | suleo: je auieeutee 
—t oO va feo ae ll = | 8 “< | Dw 2 3 ia] i) tel =) for) ary ° =) oO — = + 3 = Ee = 
a ot Me ates OE fr Stes Let patent Q ee es wet sb S/F] Pe eae cue Geol aS cc Utd | alle ct oll ch 
ae kona © (&@)5 | 8 = a oe eifaiehe ips, eo a eae er, Ge e a sre jes Kl elo 
fe aah 2 "Je/E) a | S| 8] Be 18 @)5/O)m| = 5 sl ale) ms SUVAA 
Hs S| og me) id bene ene Less % = at mw | Al oe 
me | 5 Cuheeies A Ke e |< 
) | 5 oqudt ot So \;/=)s8 aS So a Sy 
/ Db Si ° » 5 | Qu bab) S =" 
| SS ites ae | & 
| ad eae pie ee Bee | ae | | [=e | Liat | 
z€ |6z |oor |oZ |€bvz (gS |zoz |goz |46 |$g [go |S€ {zS [gz |€g1 [1S |oz1 Be 99 |ze |€z |1€ |6S {fa |64 |og1 |1g |€€ |z6 |- Mh yi As hg 
Pia SRE ae SS ae ae ed Sl Das Been Pema oe te Poe Ba et Clee ee ea oe 
=| tee Pi} | ieee eye? | pect te a ae ed Pee ei Se 
Lair Tec mee yal cote epee Comet |(O Smee Olen OTaslOcm erin tm VG ee lec tT tent cme St ef eee ee, OE MOT TIF (OS) PEC TSS tomas Sie SOc O t=O UGE 
II 1 TE ea Okey omen |e. Gericom |IZeIOEN Pe 19 SIO ISe A Seo los er elOrs 192 a(S oer fOl eit ht Sto las Sa OTRO Lars "s*+* OT61-0061 
Mode olka Kone | WA OW JTomeereisar tet 168 [Rot (leo pee Sor hig sion or Her Jor 4zZ iE SecPr- Te: |e Preece rat. “"** 0061-06g1 
Dei Ae LOSee |oe Oe eee OMe ae 4 fT TOI, (WER els IGT PY 169 = (Geo frtolZrolSy P= Sites 846" Tet er Zas eae eaeis "*+** O6gQI-OggI 
eerlerelc e**lze Jor 8 OL Ig I |Z |S eC) oI sy eitei|ogasstio | CC I a fisiens coels re cs 6 7 a z . senor OggI-oZgI 
x see lG eeelos |r Zz Iz I |z 8 t I gi lob cee ly c¢ seele eteae: seele eeelc sae) lis ss aeele se eee OLgI-0ggI 
¢£ eee as ES ale 62 Poe a |1€ |e1 S Ji oe | Qt o- ‘|P1 5 ha Ae |Z fesse ad ates coelp |7 ceoerlesesloyz lca Pe ea eee ee OggI-oSgt 
eee 3 ee aes oe 8 am ig 7 |z ay a este |gt ees o. elo |z [ . Aire ie eee pha be shee oSgi-orgr 
| | | faba | | | toed eed et ee, Ligrlieti ey 
| \ 
Jel eIS| BBLS BIBIB BIS Se 21S |B) RB) Ble PB el ele/o] 2 lela le 
Hie fete] ere Bot Bet eer aea Be Bole) Pete Re (oR fod alc eee tent omtneneL Rogen ber 
5 ah B 8 . a o el ee eee = 5 & e = E bees ast = | 2 . 8 - £1 8 5 SUVAA 
x | aie S leis 7 ad 2 pe be Bs = Sava 
z ar ale Gere cls Ble | 6 5 |< = of e7e eo dee | & & 
= =< o a | = i=l 
mt A ct 
om wn | 
| | 1 




















SHUVHA ALHOM 
































Oc6L-OP8T 
qYOd SHAMHOM HO NOLLAETELSIG 





HHL ONIMOHS LYVHO V 








A CHART EXHIBITING TOTAL ISSUES 




















, ‘ Equal to 2 Equal e 
Years Separate Copies Pages Crown 8vo Markers eh 
1824-1834 2,291,744 ZUCELUAD 70,703 
1834-1844 | 1,962,789 22,556,743 ip vA 
1844-1854 2,999,802 94,214,745 314,049 
1854-1864 | 9,682,413 126,609,927 422,033 
1864-1874 | 46,643,059 1,746,043,995 5,820,145 
1874-1884 | 153,365,771 3,081,671,763 10,272,239 
1884-1894 _ 298,816,719 6,520,576,071 21,735,250 
1894-1904 | 438,592,121 11,841 ,303,876 29,471,013 
1904-1914 | 520,639,477 12,939,496,540 43,131,655 
1914-1924 * 480,517,603 12,852,409,486 | 42,841,314 
1,955,511,498 49,246,094,216 | 154,153,524 





1 Books and tracts not included. 


This is a summary of the issues of The American Baptist Publication 


Society, by decades, and is exclusive of what the Society distributed of 
stock from other publishers, which if added in these tables would nearly 
double the totals. This statement often accompanies the report as pre- 
sented by the Board.. 

















RECEIPTS 
Years Business Missionary | Bible | Totals 
1824-1834 $33,961.73 $7A0 S/o ei OS een $34,702.30 
1834-1844 83,720.09 L,O2A SAA tee eed 91,544.43 
1844-1854 263,381.94 Fide wae RUA ne ed ve: 287,230.94 
1854-1864 502,236.02 L63:87 7:15) Se Yaa 666,113.17 
1864-1874 2,276,158.56 583 JZ LO0F i a, oe 2,864,680.52 
1874-1884 3,503,453.15 820, 014. 4.1esle. > ae eee 4,324,067.56 
1884-1894 4,829 908.79 1,242,400.41 $230,533.73 6,302,842.93 
1894-1904 6,462,008.12 | 1,167,463.98 141,618.07 —7,771,090.17 
1904-1914 7,211,554.90 | 1,710,541.95 82,862.67 — 9,004,959.52 
1914-1922 8,202,964.26 | 1,814,553.34 102,895.53 10,120,413.13 
$33,369,347.56  $7,540,387.11 $557,910.00 $41,467,644.67 
1023— 
1924— 








[ 430 ] 


GRANTS MADE 


1865-1923 
ig CES > A oe i ae $209,672, NC WOM EXICO stm is oo. 
SGN Gish ae I Se ae Pe 4 ee MING We V Ol Rn eae. ed 
AME yop ce) Ee at re ESOL COMMEN OF tle Carolia svi, oc ace 
PY SiksaG mewn bee ot ons 4 DAG OT PE NOT Wakotay acu ae cu 
CeO Lia ek ay PERTINALED. 6 ah O) AY 0 Sk ah PR Cae ee 
BOIOTAGO (aalihe deldeia'a s § Sip eee ok lanoiiage teen. oe: 
eOHICCICIIUME cae. oc a: A442 eee OTECOUE Legian te os ers: 
SGT ART Cueto hi site 5 ay « PASO Cony ee CuaSViIVaniawi ee es waves 
District of Columbia . AOS hele KRhedeslsland ier ....'. ge. 
Ieee Mig UE? iy a eae ios Gari oOltil WarOlitial en. ova. 
Crecviagee eer ees 2794 OO ME SOY WAR OtAI ee sake mes 
EGS ae Merete. eee y/ OU lass Lennessecima, wtrren gst ni 
HER teyli: I 6 ooh ee 25 100G 0 Amt CX See eat ais alae as 
‘eitatl: Webi #2 ASO eens 2 10-042 (omen taliaeeey: ete, ae cur. 
Midianeermtorys 5s... O15 55a MeV Ermontir a. ce weee Ste aoe 
Wah Se ee ee PZ OU AmemEN IE SUT ee a he eye oie oe ae 
SeVES TA i a 21-974.85.." Washington East ....... 
Reomebia se 13,868.80 Washington West ...... 
PPG tsIat Ae Anco... «,. % 719) | Game este Vit cinias..s wea 
WEN” ga OP ee LL Oj mV ISCOUSINI geeks ft cee 
AU EM AUCLM ee halen sas 5s CEL MeV MOLIICIG esgic us tes 
Massdclusctise. ts... .c... 15,844.08 Armenia 
iitel het 2 14,634.11 Cuba 
itthiiect \ .o\ 15,551.86 Germany \ Foreign ... 
ESE SDE she ne 11,364.65 Sweden 
DETBSOUITU Semis ee. oi asked 21,685.54 Turkey 
Montane. Gah? Pens ke. SUEY Cranbe eh 
IN GIT ASA Aa ase cies aie 11,886.65 Training Camps ...... 
OPA OR seen ie. eas 986.85 Miscellaneous .......0-« 
New Hampshire ........ 1,880.47 Items from burned 
INOW I CLSCYawis fc as bs.. s 13,524.39 FECOLUS Soke eee ee 


[ 431 | 


ft 


3, 150/57 
31,085.02 
28,080.30 

6,368.04 
13,022:2/ 

aoa PAY he 
10,037.45 
45,915.59 

1,855.81 
21,296.20 

6,283.10 
12,494.87 
23,406.44 

2,497.18 

2,555.61 
29,619.98 
12,875.85 


12,934.68 


£272.00 
3,403.83 


21,384.83 


500.00 
5.231676 


12,668.16 


$655,133.39 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


JON 








$7992 001'F 











| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 




































































66°9F0'0ET'Z ben ay _ RRA PANE : : : ) ae 

OS'STO'OLS'T {SURI PLR ESTA : hoot ee 

96 £68°216 ee Sng ae ) 3 se 

16686 P62 1 Bi ees set oe Ge, rae nes a S 
ooroze‘ers ie a 7 2 RRA SSRIS eo 

00 000'0sz = a Scorer ated 
ee = rbsl 





r9'so¢$ 














| 
| 4 


PooL-Pesl 
SHdVOUd AW ALADOS AHL 40 SLASSV SSOYHD 








* THE CHARIOTS OF THE LORD ” 


DEDICATION 
NAME Donor PLACE DATE 
Evangel Chapel Car Cincinnati, Ohio May 23, 1891 
Syndicate 
Emmanuel The Denomination Denver May 24, 1893 
Glad William Mills - Saratoga Springs May 25, 1894 
Tidings Memorial to 
Mrs. Mills 
Good-Will Free-will Saratoga Springs June 1, 1895 
Offerings 
Messenger Seventy-five Rochester May 21, 1898 
Of Peace Baptist Women 
Herald Young Men Detroit May 27, 1900 
Of Hope 
Grace Friends in Los Angeles May 21, 1915 
California 


COLPORTAGE WAGONS 


From first to last there were about one hundred of these evangelizing 
vehicles, drawn by horses, given to the Society for colportage work. For 
the most part they were memorial gifts in honor of some worthy servant 
or in memory of departed friend. It is doubtful if any of the various 
devices or instrumentalities through which the Society has sought to dis- 
charge its whole duty to the unreached world have been regarded with 
greater favor than this one. When the chapel car went into the frontier 
it was dependent on the “two streaks of rust,” but the wagon was in- 
dependent and traversed the country at will. As a supplement to the 
chapel car it was superior to the bicycle. 


COLPORTAGE AUTOMOBILE 


The Rev. J. S. Collins, of Michigan, was the first one of the colporters 
~ to ask for an auto-truck to take the place of the horses and wagon. The 
first subscription taken for such a vehicle was in Colorado, when over 
$300 were pledged. Mr. E. M. Stephenson communicated with Doctor Sey- 
mour who reported the Board unwilling to undertake the matter just then. 
However, not long thereafter Mr. Treat, of Pennsylvania, made it possible 


[ 433 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 


financially for the Society to introduce this new mode of travel for the 
colporter, and the Society has commissioned since then 42 automobile-col- 
porter-missionaries. 


THE AUTO CHAPEL CAR 


The New Automobile Chapel, a memorial car named “ The Crawford 
Memorial,” has been dedicated and designated to service among the 
Spanish-speaking people in Southern California and Mexico. Of this 
sort of approach to the people who are in need our Society should be 
authorized to place 100 at the earliest moment. 


THE COLPORTER ON WINGS 


For twelve years E. M. Stephenson has been prophesying that some day 
the airplane would be an instrumentality in common use in evangelizing 
distant areas impossible of access at present, and a number of offerings 
have been privately given for the énterprise. The total for this is above 
$40.00. 


[ 434 | 


BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE UNITED STATES 

















Year | Churches Ministers Membership 
1784 471 424 | 35,101 
1792 891 PeiS5 | 65,345 
pO NS ee Rn Le nt, eae a ek 0 rs 
1812 2,164 1,605 172,972 
1832 wera) 3,018 384,926 
1840 1/71 5,208 571,291 
1851 9,552 7,393 770,839 
1860 12,279 7,773 1,016,134 
1871 18,397 12,013 1,489,191 
1873 20,520 12,598 1,633,939 
1874 Zies 10 13,364 1,701,161 
1876 22,924 13,779 1,932,385 
1877 23,908 14,659 2,024,224 
1879 24,794 15,401 2,133,044 
1880 26,060 16,569 2,296,327 
1881 ZO;O73 16,574 2,336,022 
1882 26,931 17,090 2,394,742 
1883 2A913 Weve 2,474,771 
1884 28,596 16,677 2,507,703 
1885 28,539 16,191 2,07 L200 
1886 BU;90Z 1 Wassieee 2,732,570 
1887 31,891 20,477 2,917,315 
1888 31,900 21,420 2,997,794 
1889 33,588 PAW We 3,070,047 
ee ed ae Ts er a ee | ee ear 
eee aid ie ne Pre oer et A eee Leer ar 
CE OI SS Eo a mn ita hy Pe nee oe PR | 
1893 36,793 24,798 3,383,160 
PE Pe Pe) te Fat at ee ON oe cathe 
are cr) aie wes a | Pk, 
ree EE rs re Ma RN A eee Sy) 4 a eee AE Se 
1897 40,658 IN EE Aa 3,824,038 
1898 43,397 27,355 4,055,806 
1899 42,893 28,409 4,141,995 
1900 43,427 29,473 4,181,686 
1901 43,959 29,810 4,233,226 
1902 44,453 30,561 4 269,063 
1903 44,829 30,809 4,330,462 





[ 435 ] 


BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE UNITED STATES 

















(Continued ) 
Year | Churches Ministers Membership 
1904 | 45,727 31,895 4,506,747 
1905 45,927 32,344 | 4,600,799 
1906 46,583 32,849 | 4,709,311 
1907 47,852 : 33,230 | 4,812,653 
1908 47,409 34,038 | 4,969,524 
100g 48,302 34,132 S Ibo i¢e 
1910 49,045 33,909 | 5,266,369 
ILI are 49,753 35,368 5,283,944 
19120) ae 49,780 35,175 | 5,454,198 
1913 50,188 36,027 5,529,573 
1914 51,997 | 36,109 5,799,253 
1915 52,410 37,371 5,932,364 
1916 51,258 36,926 6,107,686 
1917 57,734 43,911 6,534,132 
1918 59,059 45,239 7,246,525 
1919 58,625 43,052 7,044,097 
1920 58,692 | 48,007 7,085,867 
1921 59,901 | 45,995 7,825,598 
1922 60,598 42,583 7,966,837 
1923 57,888 44,565 | 7,774,862 











[ 436 ] 


BIBLIOGRAPHY 


The General Convention of the Baptists of the United States (“ Trien- 
nial Convention”) ; official accounts in the “ American Baptist Magazine.” 


The Baptist General Tract Society and The American Baptist Publica- 
tion Society; annual reports. Except 1845-1852. 

The Massachusetts Sabbath School Union, the New England Sabbath 
School Union, the American and Foreign Bible Society, and The Ameri- 
can Bible Union; annual reports. 

The American Baptist Magazine, The Columbian Star, The Latter Day 
Luminary, The Christian Watchman, and The Baptist Tract Magazine for 
early days. The Sabbath School Treasury and other periodicals later. The 
Baptist Almanac and the Year-Book for figures. 

Official summaries of periods. First sixteen years by Wilson Jewell, 
M. D. (Board member), An. Rep’t., 1840, pp. 3-17; “ History of the First 
Thirty-two Years,” by Secretary J. Newton Brown, 1856, p. 275; The First 
Fifty Years, by several, An. Rep’t., 1874, pp. 7-192; Review of Twenty 
Years (1857-1877), by Secretary Benj. Griffith, An. Rep’t., 1877, pp. 63-82; 
“A Story of Six Decades,” by Secretary C. R. Blackall, pp. 143, 1885; 
“Sixty-one Years,” by Secretary Griffith, pp. 20, 1885; “The A. B. P. S. 
History, Sphere, and Work,” by Secretary Philip L. Jones, pp. 45, 1895; 
Review of Three-quarters of a Century, by Secretary A. J. Rowland, An. 
Rep’t, 1899, pp. 44-52; “ After Eight Decades,” by John H. Bentley and Geo. 
W. Graeff, 1908. pp. 50; “Two Decades,” (1895-1915), by Secretary A. J. 
Rowland, An. Rep’t., 1915, pp. 22-37. 

“Life of Luther Rice,” by James Barnett Taylor. 

Volume of Pamphlets “ No. 862” (1817-1818), in Library of American 
Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass., by A. Judson, Enoch Pond, 
Samuel Nott, and others. 

Editorial concerning Judson and Rice by E. S. Ely, in the “ Quarterly 
Theological Review,” 1819. 

“Luther Rice and His Place in American Baptist History,” by E. B. Pol- 
lard, in the “ Review and Expositor.” 

“Luther Rice, Missionary and Educational Pioneer,” an unpublished 
manuscript by Rev. Charles Stanley Pease, Northborough, Mass., August, 
1909; pp. 105, typewritten. 

“Memoir of Wm. Staughton,” by S. W. Lynd, 1834. 

“Memoir of the Life and Correspondence of Baron Stow,” by John C. 
Stockbridge, Boston, Lee and Shepard, 1894. 


[ 437 ] 


PIONEERS OF LIGHT 








‘Memoir of Adoniram Judson,” by Francis Wayland, pp. 1064, Boston 
and London, 1854. 


“Life of Adoniram Judson,’ by Edward Judson, pp. 601, A. B. P. S., 
1883. . 


“Memoir of Francis Wayland,” by his sons, 1867. 

“Samuel Mills,” by T. C. Richards, 1906. 

“Memoir of John Mason Peck, D. D.; Forty Years of Pioneer Life,” by 
Rufus Babcock, 1864, 360 pp. Philadelphia, A. B. P. S. 


“John Mason Peck and One Hundred Years of Home Missions,” by 
Austin Kennedy de Blois and L. C. Barnes, pp. 112. New York, A. B. H. 
Mio.) 1917, 


“ Sketch of the Life of Rev. William Shadrach, D. D.,” by Rev. John 
‘Thomas Grifhth, D.-D,,'32 pp» Philadelphia "AB bas eole 

“The Life of John!P. Crozer,* bysJ- Wheaton Smith, Dip eecomote 
Philadelphia, A. B. P. S., 1868. 


“Benjamin Griffith; Biographical Sketches Contributed by Friends,” 
edited by Charles H. Banes, A. M., 296 pp. Philadelphia, A. B.'P. S., no 
date given. 

“Christian Manhood: In Memory of Col. Charles H. Banes,” by W. T. 
Chase, 45 pp. Philadelphia, 1897. . 

“ Adoniram Judson Rowland, D. D.,” pp. 98-105. Sunday School Worker, 
March, 1921. Philadelphia, A. B. P. S. 


“C. R. Blackall, D. D. Ninety Years Young,” pp. 98-105. Sunday School 
Worker, September, 1920. Philadelphia, A. B. P. S. 


“Some Account of the Life of Spencer Houghton Cone,” by Edward W. 


Cone and Spencer W. Cone, 484 pp. New York, Livermore and Rudd, 
1856. 


“The Funeral Sermon on the Death of Rev. Spencer Houghton Cone, 
D. D.,” by Rev. Thomas Armitage, D. D., 56 pp. New York, Holman and 
Gray, 1855. 


“William Colgate, the Layman,” by H. W. Everts, D. D., 274 pp. Phila- 
delphia, A. B. P. S., 1881. 


“In Memory. of Henry G. Weston,” 104 pp. A. B. P. S., 1909. 


“Struggles and Triumphs of a Long Life,’ autobiography of G. W. 
Glarky192*ppro Anas 2 seo lt 


“The Missionary Jubilee,’ Fiftieth Anniversary Baptist Foreign Mission 
Society (A. B. M. U.), 1864. Sheldon and Company, 1865. 


“ Baptist Home Missions,” Jubilee Volume, H. L. Morehouse. A. B. H. 
M. S., 1883. 


“ Memorial Volume of the First Fifty Years of the American Board of 
Commissioners of Foreign Missions.” Boston, 1861. 


[ 438 ] 


APPENDIX 


“The Story of Our Chapel Car Work,” by Boston W. Smith. Philadel- 
phia, 1896. 

“A Church on Wheels,” by C. H. Rust, 178 pp. A. B. P. S., 1905. 

“ History of the Baptists in New England,” by Henry S. Burrage. A. B. 
P..S.).1894. 

“A History of Baptists in the Middle States,” by H. C. Vedder, 355 pp. 
A, Be P: S.,.1898. 

“A History of Baptists in the Southern States,” by B. F. Riley. A. B. 
P iis. +1896. 

“ Baptist History of the North Pacific Coast.” (Part VII, Publication 
Society, pp. 409-425.) Philadelphia, A. B. P. S., 1912. 

“ History of Baptists in Michigan,” by Mrs. L. H. Trowbridge. Michi- 
gan Baptist Convention, 1909. 

“Baptists and the National Centenary,” edited by Lemuel Moss. A. B. 
Ras 2158/0, 

“A Century of Baptist Achievement,” edited by A. H. Newman. A. B. 
PZ521901. 

“The Bible Societies and Baptists,” by C. C. Bitting, 95 pp. A. B. P. S., 
1897. 

“ Baptist Hymn Writers and Their Hymns,” by Henry S. Burrage. Port- 
land, Me., Thurston & Company, 1888. 

“ History of the Baptist Young People’s Union,’ by J. W. Conley. A. B. 
Pee o13y 

“ Baptists Mobilized for Missions,” by A. L. Vail. A. B. P. S., 1911. 

“The Baptist Encyclopedia,” by William Cathcart. Philadelphia, Louis 
H. Everts, 1883. 

“Free Baptist Cyclopedia,’ Historical and Biographical. 1889. 

“History of the National Capital,’ by W. B. Bryan. 

“ History of the Baptist Institutions of Washington,’ by Andrew Roth- 
well, 1867. 

“The International Lesson System,” by John R. Sampey. Revell. 

“A History of Religiotis Education in Recent Times,’ by A. A. Brown, 
282 pp. Abingdon Press, 1923. 

“The Sunday School Century,” by Wm. Ewing, D. D. Boston, Pilgrim 

Press, 1918. 


[ 439 ] 


a 
3 see i ("4 


* AA » Hy 
| af 
Gane totes Mean 
oh Oia PoP Mas 
i’) WU ELS big i \ 
ihe 









“bs A 
eas ie ie 


INDEX 


1 
' 
. 
‘ 
| 
’ 
| 
| | 
i? 
. 
® : 
i af 
' 
J ; Pale 
; Sent yept \ 
ES Aa: bea \ \ 
ae Se he aE ; 7 
it ak ERs at ' 
i ney 4 ry 4 4 
i . ” b 
¥, “y! 4 | el 


‘ 
‘ 


; Hy 


' 


LES I \ 
' ¥i 
, ual J 
be 


h) 


Hf 


i 


Y 
u | 


’ 


Wika 
me 


hak 
‘i 


MORN: 


i 
* 
} 


t 


is 


UR 


= 


7 





INDEX 


A 


Accounts, committee of, 376, 378. 

PNGAnIS Cine t7Osee Tot. 

Adams, G, F., 118. 

Adams js. Os 0: 

Adult work, 154. 

Advocates of Christian Fidelity, 234. 

Agar, bE. Ay. 164i. 

Agents, 204f. 

Aiken, Lizzie, 98. 

Allegorical Works of Bunyan, 38. 

Aen wleMemOGeIISt., 212: 280f.,) 205, 
340. 

Allison, Burgess, 8. 

Almanac, Baptist, 50. 

Amendments to By-laws, 372, 397. 

American and Foreign Bible Society, 65ff., 
Cem 0.673 21 0se 23°73 200,9323 50320. 

“American Baptist Magazine and Mis- 
sionary Intelligencer, The,’’ roff., 44, 
eis Agha, Pree 

American Baptist Historical Society, The, 
ESM LOAsTOSI:, 200, 330. 

American Baptist Home Mission Society, 
The; and Bible work of A. B. P. S., 
75f.; and Sunday schools in New En- 
gland, 128; and work among freedmen, 
320; and “‘ World Wide,” 165; birth of, 
294; early officer of, 326; in coopera- 
fons with A.B. P. S., 110, 150; 161, 
Ae tiie eA. 330. 342. 

American Baptist Missionary Union, 73, 
75f., 165, 254, 309. 

American Baptist Publication Society, 
The; a book concern, 35f.; agents of, 
204; and American Baptist Historical 
Society, 57ff.; and auxiliary societies, 
84, 201; and Baptist publications for 
Baptist schools, 148; and Baptist 
Young People’s Union of America, 154f., 
232ff.; and Bible work, 74ff.; and Bur- 
ma, 256; and call of Western Indians, 
14; and church architecture, 161f.; and 
city mission societies, 217; and colpor- 
tage, 81ff.; and Columbian College, 7; 
and democracy, 4f., 176f.; and denomi- 
national unity, 48ff.; and distinctive 
Baptist message, 53f.; and intersociety 


relations, 207ff.; and merging of Free 
Baptist work, 233f.; and organizations 
of other denominations, 221; and re- 
ligious education, 217f.; and spirit of 
education, 7; and State Conventions, 
217, 220; and stewardship education, 
164f.; and Sunday School Council of 
Evangelical Denominations, 224; and 
Sunday-school helps, 137ff.; and Sun- 
day schools, 112ff.; and Sunday schools 
of the South, 242ff.; and “ The Baptist 
Quarterly,” 46ff.; and the Bible, 62ff.; 
and uniform lessons, 138f.; and union 
with Free Baptists, 224f.; and work 
among Indians, 237; and work for 
freedmen, 245f.; and ‘‘ World Wide,”’ 
165f.; and young people’s movement, 
22off.; annals of, 417ff.; annual meet- 
ings of, 202; annuities of, 199; au- 
thors of publications of, Baptist, 42; 
becomes a Sunday school union, 117ff.; 
beginnings of book publications of, 
34ff.; benevolent department of, 1098; 
Bible and missionary secretaries of, 
407; Board of Managers of, 177; book 
editors of, 407; branch houses of, 202ff.; 
business and missionary departments of, 
separate, 309; business department of, 
198f.; by-laws of, 181f., 370ff.; by-laws 
of Board of Managers of, 376ff.; care 
in selecting manuscripts for publication 
by, 43; chairman of the Board of, 401; 
chapel car work of, 210f.; chapel cars 
gf, 43acercharter Of, 1771.4) 3°73 tea) cOl- 
portage wagons and autos of, 433; con- 
ditions at birth of, 3ff.; consolidation of 
Bible societies with, 73ff.; constitutions 
of, 363ff.; cooperation of, with A. B. H. 
NES eDrOUeIcO,mlOL mi Aye creer oA F. 
330, 342; cooperation of, with city mis- 
sion societies, 154, 159; cooperation of, 
with State Conventions, 154, 159; cor- 
porate titles of, 359; dates and places 
of annual meetings of, 41off.; delegates 
to meetings of, 370; department of 
Sunday-school publications of, 144ff.; 
departments of, 179f.; director of ele- 
mentary work of, 408; director of vaca- 


[ 443 ] 








«eé 


INDEX 


tion and week-day schools of, 408; dis- 
tribution of workers of, 429; district 
secretaries of, 206, 407; dual work of, 
183f.; early book publications of, 36ff., 
121f.; editors in chief of Sunday-school 
publications of, 408; endowments of, 
199; enlargement of Bible work of, 94; 
executives of, 179f.; first a tract so- 
ciety, 18ff.; founders and builders of, 
267-302; grants of, 255, 2571., 431; 
gross assets of, by decades, 432; head- 
quarters of, 184ff., 409; income of, 
193f.; kinds of Sunday-school publica- 
tions of, 148; legacies to, 195; managers 
of, 407; meetings of, 371; members of, 
370; members of the Board of, 402; 
membership in, 176f., 200, 226; merger 
of New England Sunday School Union 
with, 129f.; ministers and, 226; mis- 
sionary department of, 189; officers of, 
370; officers, members of the Board, and 
officers of the Board of, 398ff.; periodical 
publications of, 44; policy of, in Sun- 
day-school publications, 134; printing: 
house of, 190f.; reconstructors of, 303; 
recording secretaries of, 401; relations 
of, -with*N. B:.C.,° 370, 372; religious 
education department of, 154ff.; rules 
of investment of funds of, 395f.; secre- 
taries of the Board of, 401; secretary 
of religious education of, 408; secre- 
tary of social education of, 408; spirit 
of employees of, 192; standing. commit- 
tees of, 181; statistical summary of ser- 
vice of, 428; summary of achievements 
and statistics of, 413; Sunday-school 
missionaries of, 135f.; Sunday-school ob- 
jectives of, 147f.; summary of story of, 
26off.; tests for Sunday-school editors 
and writers of, 148; total issues of pub- 
lications of, 430; translations of Bible 
published by, 76ff.; treasurers of, 401; 
vice-presidents of, 398ff.; wide distfibu- 
tion of literature of, 258; women help- 
ers of, 349f.; work of, 218, 237ff., 241, 
2471. 

American Baptist Publication Society, 
History of The, from 1824 to 1856,” 22. 


American Baptist Register, 52. 


American Bible Society, 12, 64, 67, 70, 


B20, 


American Bible Society of Massachu- 


SEDLS a Us. 


American Bible Union, The, 6o0ff., 323, 


326. 


American Bible Union version, the, 72f. 


American Board of Commissioners for 
Foreign Missions, 12, 267, 275. 

American Commentary, 8o. 

American Society for Ameliorating the 
Condition of the Jews, The, 12. 

American Sunday School Union, 113f., 
32276330: 

American Tract Society, 19, 36, 82, 85, 
220ff. 

American Tract Society of Boston, 29. 

Anderson, F. L., 32. 

Anderson, G. W., 314f. 

Anderson, M. B., 68. 

Annals, 415 ff. 

Annual meetings, 202. 

Annuities and legacies, 199, 3809. 

Annuities and legacies, committee on, 389. 

Architectural uplift and A. B. P. S., 162f, 

Argand lamp, 3. 

Argyll, Duke of, 260. 

Armitage, Thomas, 70. 

Arnold, A. N., 47, 80. 

* Around the World,” 165. 

Ashmore, William, 258. 

Ashton, , 220. 

Assets, by decades, 432. 

Assistant treasurer, 388, 390, 396f. 

Associate general secretary, 389, 396. 

Associations, 91, 196, 201, 227, 271. 

Authors, Baptist, 42. 

Auto chapel cars, 1oof., 434. 

Autocracy, 4f. 

Automobiles, colportage, 100. 

Auxiliary societies, 201, 204. 

Auxiliaries of Baptist General Tract So- 
ciety in the South, 241. 





B 


Babcock, R., 89. 

Babcock, President, 221. 
Babcock, Rufus, 282, 314. 

** Babyhood,’”’ 146. 

Backus’ ‘‘ Church History,” 36f. 
Backus’ ‘‘ History of the Baptists,’ 39. 
Backus; isaac, arr. 
Backusvajayeo.-el a. 

Backus, the second, 11. 

Bacon | sore Ober. 

Batleya.o: (Gs 55: 

Bainbridge, H., 179. 

Bakers) G ehOvee2os bean. 
Baker, Luke, 67. 

Baldwin, Thomas, 19, 124. 

Baltes lives se 

Banes, (Cor Hy 232.0303e5a 102 
Banes, Mrs. C. H., 350. 


[ 444 ] 


pe 


INDEX 








Baptism: Baptist teaching as to, in tracts, 
Pait.* intants Ss Se'tracts otl.d w7) 24ott, 

“ Baptism, Concise Comments on,” 55. 

Baptismal regeneration, 69. 

Baptisms, 236. 

Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, 44. 

Baptist Brotherhood, 217. 

Baptist churches in the United States, 
435f. 

Baptist Education Society of New York, 
I2. 

es Baptista arp, s Dies eT. 

Baptist historical material, 6of. 

** Baptist Hymnal, The,” 42. 

Baptist Manual, The, 54f. 

Baptist Missionary Convention 
NV Ork, 12: 

*‘ Baptist Quarterly, The,” 46f., 333. 

‘Baptist Register,” 


of New 


Bie 

** Baptist Record, The,” 45. 

** Baptist Review, The,” 47. 

** Baptist Teacher, The,” 138, 144, 146, 
Moen a a2 be 

“Baptist Dract and. Youth's 
The,?7 114: 

** Baptist Witness, The,” 243. 

Baptist Young People’s Union of Amer- 
iCav HS 4623 0.6S 53. 

“Baptists Mobilized for Missions, 177. 

** Baptists of the North Pacific Coast,” 50. 

‘* Baptize,”’ and Bible translation, 64ff. 

Barnard, Samuel, 67. 

Barnes, D. H., 202. 

Barnes mle C..5210f.5 232. 

Barneys ih sje. 105. 

‘“* Barren Fig-Tree,”’ 38. 

Bartlett, .G., 118. 

Basle, 81. 

attenws-eZe, 174,353; 400. 

Bauer, W. S., 179. 

* Beautiful Joe,” 40, 43. 

IS CCKICV a emel. 5) 232. 

Beebe, A. M., 308. 

Beecher, Lyman, 38. 

eA VV e450, LOT« 

Belcher, Doctor, 58. 

Benedict, David, 60. 

Bengal Christian School Society, 12. 

Berkeley, Governor, 6. 

Bible, The; a book of tracts, 18, 29; and 
A. B. P. S., 62; and the colporter, 93f.; 
better versions of, in English, 6o0ff.; cir- 
culation of, 23; Improved Edition of, 
77ff.; published by A. B. P. S., 76ff. 

Bible and field committee, 388. 

Bible and field department, 3grf. 

Bible and field secretary, 388, 390. 


Magazine, 


Bible and missionary secretaries, 407. 

Bible and Sunday-school committee, 384. 

Bible committee, 385. 

Bible Day, 198. 

Bible department, 322. 

Bible lessons, 137. 

‘“* Bible Lessons from the Pentateuch,”’ 336. 

Bible secretary, 180. 

Bible societies, 16. 

“ Bible Societies and the Baptists,” 322. 

Bible translation and “ Baptize,” 64ff. 

Bible translation and Baptist missionaries, 
62f, 

Bibliography, 437ff. 

Bickell, P. W., 253. 

Binney, G., 118. 

Biography, publication of, 36. 

Biting GUC. 163,232, 322tu. 3275 

BlackalbaG eRe, 28, Sortaiiin, BS1tl,. 232) 
ZA0GRGO SL, 300169 1332.13 30 te 351s 

Blackburn, Alexander, 105, 232. 

Bliss, G. R., 80. 

Board meetings, 379, 382, 387. 

Board of Foreign Missions (Baptist), 50. 

Board of Managers, 177, 370f., 379. 

Bolles, Lucius, 19. 

Book editor, 388, 390, 407. 

Book fund, 196. Py 

Book publications, 34ff. 

Book publishing committee, 388, 394. 

Book publishing department, 180, 391f. 

Booth, 54. 

Booth’s ‘‘ Reign of Grace,” 36f. 

Boville, R. G., 167. 

Boys and girls, work for, 229. 

Bramley, 3 26% 

Branch houses, 84, 202ff. 

iBrantly, VWs yes Onn 20,04 On 

Bright, Edward, 68. 

Brimson, W. G., 217; 342. 

Brink, uw, OS ESL OL... 220,538 7 1s, 351 ib 

British and Foreign Bible Society, 12, 62f. 

British Columbia, 248. 

Broadus; J; A, 683.77, 80, 334. 

Brockett, E. J., 214. 

Brockway, Miss Meme, 155, 350, 408. 

Brooks, Kendall, 48, 298f., 305. 

Broomell, W. L., 348. 

Brown, A. A., 139. 

Brow loNeceilse2 7s SO. Solna tie 2o3, 
ZLOM22O M24 2 aZOOn Zits 3 1S". 

Brown, Nicholas, 129. 

Browny, On Bi o))272,.284t. 

Browns .O; Cx tad. 

Browne O. Diss: 

Bryce, John, 25. 

Bucknell, William, 186, 313f. 





[ 445 | 


INDEX 








* Building a Community,” 354. 

Bunsen, Professor, 58. 

Bunyan, John, works of, 38f., 301. 

Burdette, R. G., 192. 

Burma,-and ALB. P..s:, 256: 

Burton, E. D., 140. 

Business, order of, 378, 381, 384, 387. 

Business committee, 370ff., 382, 388, 394. 

Business department, 180, 183f., 198f., 
391f. 

Business manager, 180, 388ff. 

Bussey, B. W., 245. 

“* Buzell’s Religious Magazine,” 225. 

By-laws, 181f. 

Byron, Lord, 5. 


G 
Canada, 248. 
Canfield, C. B., 214. 
Canterbury, Convocation of, 70. 
Canterbury revisers, rules of, 72. 
Canterbury revision, 74. 
Carey, William, 12f., 39, 57, 62ff., 69, 280. 
Carleton; "Gs J.;°1283 
Carroll be tees: 
Caswell, Alexis, 279. 
Catechisms, 151. 
Cathcart, William, 49, 302. 
Cauldwell, W. A., 68. 
Chairman, 379, 382, 388. 
Chalmers, W. E., 154f.,, 353, 408. 
Chapel cars, 104ff., 433. 
Chapel-car service, 214. 
Chapel-car work, 219f., 329. 
Chapman, J.0H., 232: 
Charter oi AS Bebo, 177: 
Chase, Irah, 282ff., 286, 326. 
Children’s Day, 197f. 
Children’s work, 154ff. 
China and A. B. P. S:, 257. 
China Baptist Publication Society, 257f. 
China Sunday School Union, 224. 
*‘ Christian Chronicle, The,’’ 301, 315. 
Christian Endeavor Society, United, 22of., 
233. 
“Christian Index, The,” 244. 
“Christian Review, The,” 46, 286. 
“Christian Secretary, The,’ 44. 
Christian union, 222. 
“Christian Watchman, The,” 277. 
Church and State, 170. 
“Church Manual, Baptist,” 56. 
“Church School Objectives,” 353. 
City mission societies and A. B. P. S., 
154, 159, 217. 
Civil War, the, 242. 
Clark, Allan C., 23. 


ClarksGoeW.,000: 
Clarke, M. G., 307. 


‘Clarke, W. N., 80. 


Clay, Henry, 9. 

Clese jr We tye 

Clinch SES aeeis: 

Clopton, A. W., 25. 

Clough, J. E., 241, 321. 

Clyde, Miss N. L., 350. 

Cobb,:N. R:, (194,)350. 

Colburn, Alfred, 130. 

Colby.) Gasla.aro se 

Coles BE x79. 

Colgan, DP Siseoos 

Colgate, J. B., 105. 

Colgate, Robert, 324. 

Colgate, . William, 30, 
323ff., 355. 

Colgate University, 326. 

Colleges, Baptist, 7. 

Collum, J. G., 308. 

Colman, James, 13. 

Colman, T. W., 195. 

Colportage, 81ff., 96ff., 248, 253. 

Colportage automobiles, 433. 

Colportage. wagons, 330, 433. 

‘*Colporter, The,’’ 46. 

Colporter-missionaries, 218. 

Colporters, 82ff., 206, 217f., 236. 

Columbia Historical Society, 8. 

Columbian College, 7ff., 10, 14, 24, 116, 
271ff., 276-280, 283f.," 280) 411. 

‘Columbian’ (Star;"\ 10, :aatteay 
184, I91, 261, 284, 286. 

“Coming School of the Church, The,”’ 
353- 

Commentaries, 7of. 

Committee of publication, 376, 379. 

Communion, close, 54. 

Cone, S. H., 6718.0 217, 272, 200, s424e0 
326. 

Confession of faith, 56. 

Conley, J. W., 230,-232: 

Consolidation of societies, 208ff. 

Cook, B., 118. 

Gook, (GerAn 164. 

Coonss) a Newcs0- 

Cooperating organizations, 177f., 215. 

Cooperation in Sunday-school work, de- 
nominational, 125f. 

Coordination of societies, 207ff. 

Cornelius, Samuel, 28, 274, 286. 

* Coronation Hymnal, The,” 42. 

Correspondence courses, 158ff. 

Corresponding secretary, 370, 
382, 388f. 

Country church, 174. 


67 fs, 7Oly 307s 


44f., 


373, 379, 


[ 446 ] 


INDEX 








Cradle roll, 156. 

Grandall; LejA.2rr. 

Crawiotd, eMits. oles Mette. 

Grawtord wi Ws Veseblr. 

Crawford Memorial, 111. 

Cressman, H. E., 407. 

CSrosby.s Gan@we bl 807. 

(Gross Heeb. oS. 

Crozer, Miss E. C., 305. 

Crozer, (G, Ke, 1179: 

** Crozer, J. Lewis, The,” roz2f. 

AOrOZet pn bs OMT GO, TO7,e20GL. eos 
SOC ma0S ma TOUmaLOm S40Ls a5 .: 

(erozer ers) eet ens 50. 

Crozer, Margaret, 314. 

Crozer, Sally L., 228. 

Crozer, SeeA., eid. 34 it; 

Grozet;, Sarah,/311. 

Crozer Building, 189f., 194. 

Crozer Memorial Fund, J. P., 222f., 228. 

Cruisers, Gospel, 102ff., 219. 

Currys ice ML... 68: 

Cushman, R. W., 221, 287. 

Cutting wosns-. Oc. 

Cyprian, 58. 


D 





Dagg, pe Zoe 

Daily vacation Bible school, 166ff. 

Dates and places of annual meetings, 
4ioff. 

Davis Gales 35: 

Davis, Isaac, 208. 

Davis, John, 237. 

DAawisemN Oalige7 24,120,028, 114), 117, 133; 
150, 172,185; 229, 244, 287ff., 340. 

Dean, M. M., 118. 

deBlois, A. K., 296. 

Democracy, 4f., 176f. 

Dennisson, B. F., 214. 

Denominational instruction, 229. 

Depositories, 202ff. 

Depository and book committee, 376f. 

Depository and publishing agent, 27o0f. 

*“* Devotional Hymn and Tune Book,” 42. 

Director of Sunday-school and young 
people’s work, 233. 

Director of vacation and week-day schools, 
408. 

Directors of religious education, 154f. 

‘Directory for Baptist Churches, New,” 
56. 

District secretaries, 206, 407. 

Dixie w = Is. 232s 

Doane, W. H., 42, 332, 342. 

Dobbins, F. S., 33. 

Doctrine, books on, 36. 


Dodge, Amos, 195. 

Dodge, D., 118. 

Dodson, O., 85. 

DokemiWe -Hou256. 
Donations, conditional, 199. 


E 

Eaches, .O:; P:, 80, 232. 

Barly yee Ata 7S. 

Eddy, D. C., 88, 135, 298. 

Edie, Richard, 217. 

Editors, 180, 379, 382. 

Editor-in-chief of Sunday-school publica- 
tions, 388, 390, 408. 

Edmunds, E. B., 329. 

Edmunds, James, 152. 

Education, diffusion of, 6. 

Efficiency of administration of cooperat- 
ing organizations, committee on, 215. 

Eighteenth amendment, 173ff. 

Eligibility to appointment, 371. 

Ellis, F. M., 232. 

Encyclopedia, Baptist, 49. 

“Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge,”’ 
5OwsOue 

Endowments, 199. 

English Baptist Missionary Society, 12. 

Epworth League, 230. 

IDidere ie OM wart. 

Estabrook, G. L., 179, 216, 352. 

Europe, influence of work of A. B. P. S. 
iny 250%. 

European America, 247. 

Evangelical Almanac and Baptist Annual 
Register, 52. 

Evangelical Tract Society, The, 1off. 

Everts, W. W., 325. 

Executive committee, 18o0f., 385, 388, 394. 


F 


Faith, confessions of, 56. 

Farel, 81. 

Farwell, Levi, 19. 

Faunce, W. H. P., 214. 

Fiction, works of, 309f. 

Fifteen, committee of, 211, 220. 

Finance committee, 181f., 388, 394, 396f. 
Finance department, 180, 391f. 

Finn, Mrs. E. M., 350. 

Fire at 1420 Chestnut Street, 189, 317f. 
Fisher, Ezra, 114. 

Five-year program, a, 239. 

Fleishman, Rev., 248. 

Fletcher, John, 98. 

Foreign languages, tracts in, 33. 
Foreign-speaking peoples, hymnals for, 42. 
Forward, D. D., 169. 


[ 447 ] 


INDEX 








Forward movement in missionary educa- 
tion, Baptist, 165f. 

EOSSie Cae) sms 

Fowler. sAs ieee roe 

Fourteen-twenty, 186ff. 

Free Baptists, 224f., 233. 

Freedmen, work for, 245f. 

French, work for, 248. 

Frost, J. M., 245. 

Fuller, Andrew, 37, 40, 44, 252, 

Funds, special, 1o5ff. 


Zoe 


G 

Galpin tome Los 

Gambrell, J. B., 245. 

Garabrant, D. G., 216f. 

Garrett, T. L., 86. 

Gaster and Dow, 263. 

Geistweit, W. H., 105. 

Gendell, Howard, 211, 214, 343. 

General agent, 377. 

General Convention of Baptists in the 
United States, 10, 35, 57, 270ff., -276- 
282, 293. 

“General History of the Baptist Denomi- 
nation in America and Other Parts of 
the World, A,’ 60. 

General secretary, 180, 382, 388f., 396f. 


General Tract Society, Baptist: a Bap- 
tist society, 220; a book concern, 
35f.; agents of, 304f.; and auxil- 


iary societies, 201; and “ Baptist Reg- 
ister,” 212; and denominational unity, 
48f.; and denominational statistics, 51; 
and intersociety relations, 207; and 
Sunday schools, rr2ff.; and the Bible, 
62; and the South, 241f.; becomes 
Ad) Bow Paeatii Se 6oh DOCIetias el 7. 
branches of, 202f.; builders of, 28off.; 
by-laws of Board of, 276ff.; constitution 
of, 261f.; early member of, 323f.; 
first catalogue of, 30; first name of 
A. B. P. S., 18ff.; first officers of, 282; 
founders of, 267-288; membership in, 
200; place of organization of, 285; pub- 
lications of, in 16 years, 129; receipts of, 
for first year, 30; removal of, to Phila- 
delphia, 185; standing committees of, 
181. 

George Washington University, 280. 

German Baptist Publication Society, 253. 

German immigrants, 247f. 

Germany, work of A. B. P. S. in, 240f. 

‘Gertrude the Peacemaker,” 4o. 

Gibson, Joseph, 25. 

Gilbert, Mary, 325. 

Gillette, A. D., 117f.,. 223, 297: 


Girdlestone, Doctor, 62. 

“ Girls’ World,” 233. 

Giving, systematic, 210. 

Going, Jonathan, 67, 114, 128, 278, 326. 

** Golden Century, A,’’ 191. 

Goodchild, F. M., 216f. 

‘Good Work,” 46. 

Goodwin, C. T., 135. 

Gospel cruiser, 102ff., 330. 

“Gospel Hymn and Tune Book,” 42. 

Goulds 7 EAe Eb. so: 

Grace, W. Ci, 245. 

Graded lessons, 140. 

Grafton, Joseph, 19. 

Grant, President, 320. 

Grants; 228, 248, 2571) 431. 

Graves, J. W., 1731. 

Gray, Robert, 107. 

Great Commission, 69. 

Greece, 249. 

Greeks, liberation of, 5. 

Greene, Stephen, 211, 214. 

Gregory, J. M., 47,'89, 151. 

Griffith; A. P:, ror: 

Griffith, Benjamin, 39, 48, 88, 91, 133f., 
150, 183, 100, Zoofl., 235, =253nuecus 
303ff., 313, 315, 319, 321, 351. 

Griththes Janes GroZerer 7 Owes 5 i 

Griffith, Mrs. Benjamin, 350. 


H 


Hackettl: Hee Dem7 7 aacOs 

Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, 12. 

Handbooks, 44ff., 57. 

Harding, \W..G..)1 72. 

Harlan, Rolvix, 174. 

Harpers eV wah -s)7 ORLA Omeeaes 

Hartise ab aeoore 

lakewaecy We Waly; Sei 

Hartman, Louisa L., Memorial, ror. 

Hartshorne, W. N., 141. 

Haskell, Samuel, 8of. 

Hawes, W. A., 167. 

Hawthorne, J. B., 243. 

Haystack band, 9. 

Headquarters council, 395. 

Headquarters, 409. 

** Heavenly Footman,” 38. 

Henson, P. S., 23, 32f., 79, 232, 3321. 

Hermiston, E. R., 107. 

Hilly BA Ms i137, ier: 

Hills, William, 105. 

Hippolytus, 58. 

Hiscox, Es Leae4 tse 5 0s 

History: and biography, 39; and doctrine, 
33, 36; Baptist, and A. B. P. S., 57ff.; 
publication of, 36, 44ff. 


[ 448 ] 


INDEX 








Eiabattye Avs oss 621450277 

Holcombe,. Henry, 277. 

Hollis, Thomas, 7. 

Holman, ). 2, 115. 

Holt, A. J., 245. 

Holy War, Lhe,~ 38: 

Home department, 146, 156. 
Hopper, H. S., 346f. 

Hovey, Alvah,. 40, 47, 77, 80, I5I, 334. 
Howard, J. L:, 340. 

Howell, W. R., 102, 330. 

Hoyt, J. M., 68. 

Hoyt, Wayland, 32, 104f., 214, 232. 
Hiibmaier, 57. 

Hudson River Association, 117f., 132. 
Hughes, Gon to:58l 725323. 

Hughes, D. C., 79, 323. 

Hughes, Joseph, 62f. 

Hus, John, 18. 

Hutton yet Geese 

Hymn-books, 34ff., 41f. 


I 
ide Gia bent tS,9207. 
‘*Tllustrated Missionary News, The,” 350. 
Improved Edition of the Bible, 77ff. 
Improved Uniform Lessons, 144. 
Indians] Ave blebs oe and, 237; Western, 
and pittne of A. ob. P: Si. 143 -work 
among, 320. 
Infant Baptism, 53f. 
Ingalls, Lovell, 308. 
Institute, teacher-training, 153f. 
Institutes, 154, 157. 
Institutes and summer assemblies, 154. 
“ Institutional Church, The,” 31. 
Intensive training-schools, 168ff. 
International Sunday School Association, 
TAL .Moo A 
International Sunday 
320. 
International Sunday School Council of 
Religious Education, 163f. 
International uniform lessons, 137. 
Investment, rules of, 395f. 
Investment committee, 394f. 
Investment securities, safe deposit of, 396. 
Italy, work in, 249. 


School Committee, 


a 
Jackson, Andrew, 4. 
Jacobs, B. F., 135, 137, 139f., 336. 
Nacolsen ey bssato7t.,°200- 
Jamaica, 248. 
Jefferson, Thomas, 6, 8. 
Jerome of Prague, 18. 
Jeter, Doctor, 297. 


Johnson, G. J., 89, 321ff. 

Johnson, Reuben, 25. 

OneSat uae): er sce 

Jones, H. G., 58, 206. 

jones, H. L., 167. 

JOneSweb we lev e230re232, 316.9275 

Jubilee Memorial of the Religious Tract 
Society of England, 32. 

Judd, William, 67. 

Judson, Adoniram, 9, 13, 39,.57, 64, 609, 
ZOGuE2 SOLE Osh? 7 See eT Os 

Judson, Adoniram, Sr., 9. 

Judson, Ann Hasseltine, 13, 57. 

Judson, Edward, 31f., 39. 

Judson Memorial Tracts, 31. 

Judson Press, The, rot. 

Judson training manuals, 147. 

Junior work, 155f. 

“Junior World,” 233. 


K 


Kauthoratias|om G6 3471. 

Keen, C. B., 307. 

Keen, W. W., 345f. 

Keen, W. W., M. D., 211. 

Keller, Luther, 178. 

Kempton, G., 297. 

Kendrick, A: C., 80, 326. 

Kennardsn |omllens30te 

Kennedy, Mrs. M. G., 332. 

Ketmanve be ln200- 

Keystone graded series, 224. 

Keystone International Graded Sunday 
School Lessons, 141ff. 

Keystone Series of International Sunday 
School Lessons, 147. 

King, Jonas, 249. 

King, W. B., 280. 

King James version, 69. 

Knowles, Professor, 7, 25, 47, 68, 
176, 285ff. 

IL- 


*‘ Ladies’ Home Journal,” 350. 

Lafayette, 9. 

Pamar,eAcw We. 232. 

amps eles o5- 

Lambeth Conference, 174. 

Pamson.e Gy Ge,60258170; 

Landmarkism, 241. 

Latin America, 248. 

‘“ Watters Daye Luminary, nO, 5 LO.) 275829; 
AAT alley pas 

Law Committee, 215f. 

Lawrence, W. M., 229. 

Lawson, A. G., 232. 

cawton,e le l.gn 255s 


[ 449 } 


INDEX 








Legacies, 195. 

Levering, Joshua, 245. 

Lewis, W. M., 279. 

Liberia, 254. 

Libraries for ministers, 227f. 

Libraries for Sunday schools, 40, 240. 

Library department, 16of. 

“Life Line, The,”’ 1o2f. 

Life membership, 200, 202. 

Lincoln, Ensign, 19, 124. 

Lincoln, Heman, 19, 58, 92, 197, 296-299, 
305, 3206. 

Tsrncolne eee DOds 

Lincoln, Mrs. Heman, 350. 

Liquor traffic, 173. 

Lisk, James, 179. 

Literature, distribution of, 258. 

London Religious Tract Society, 29. 

oomiss Jesu. ,ngoos 

Words Rees 22n6. 

Lorimer, J. C., 246. 

Loring, James, 35. 

Lothrop, Edward, 68. 

Love, Miss M. M., 157, 350. 

Lowry, Robert, 42, 135, 332, 342. 

oxleysyb seh. 3274n 204s8200sna 076 

** Loyalist, The,” 230, 232. 

Tuthers. Wey eeveads 

Lyell, J. W., 179. 

ByndySiaweresse27 4: 


M 


MacArthur, R. S., 232. 

Macaulay, T. B., 39. 

MacFarlane, H. K., 179. 

Maclay, Archibald, 67, 326. 
Madison, James, 8. 

Magazine, Baptist Missionary, 15f., 19. 
NEaitiam Weil. O lee ime t Ole si5 25 
Major, C. L., 204. 

Malcom, Howard, 338. 

Malcom se DoS. 6862;9107,502071-,7305, 7340. 
Mallary, @. Dies: 

Mallary woe Doseeace 

Mallery, J., 118. 

Mallery, S. S., 128. 

** Mamie Beal, The,’’ 102. 

Managers, 407. _ 

** Man from Pennsylvania, The,’ 94. 
Manitoba, 248. 

Manly, Basil, 55. 

Mann, Horace, 6. 

Manual, Baptist, 34ff. 

Manuals, 57. 

Marsh, Jb. 04- 

Marshman, Joshua, 13, 63. 

Marston, S. W., 319. 


Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society, 
2. 

Massachusetts Baptist Education Society, 
cz. 

‘* Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Maga- 
zine,” 44. 

Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society, 
TOL. 20,445 2042 

Massachusetts Baptist Sunday School 
Union, 35. : 

Massachusetts Evangelical Tract Society, 
ie; 

Massachusetts 
T25it.5 2.90: 

May meetings, 207. 

McAlpine, C. A., 168. 

McConnell, F. C., 245. 

McCoy, Isaac, 14, 98, 237. 

McDonald, Henry, 243. 

McKean, Miss M. F., 332. 

McMichael, A. D., 223, 241. 

Meehan, J. S., 27, 50, 284. 

Meigs, Postmaster General, 9. 

‘““Memoirs of Distinguished Christians,” 
36f. 

Mercer, Jesse, 25. 

Merrill, G. E., 161. 

Methodist Book Concern, 19. 

Mexico, 248. 

Meyers, Miss A. E., 144, 350. 

Miller; HiT 135. 

Milton, John, 39. 

Ministers and missionaries, correspondence 
courses for, 160. ; 

M. & M. B. B. (Ministers and Missiona- 
ries Benefit Board), 12. 

Ministers’ libraries, 295. 

Ministers’ library fund, 228. 

Missionaries, Baptist, and Bible transla- 
tion, 62f, 

Missionary committee, 386. 

Missionary department, 183f., 189, 322. 

Missionary Department of Board of Edu- 
Cation Of N «basses 

Missionary education, 165f. 

Missionary Forward Movement, 234. 

Missionary secretary, 180. 

** Missions,”’ 165. 

Monroe, President, 5, 8. 

Monroe doctrine, 5. 

Moody, D. L., 336. 

Moore, J. M., 165, 217, 234. 

Morehouse, H. L., 39, 214. 

Morgan, J. T., 114. 

Morgan, Lewis, 114. 

Morgan, T. F., 86. 

Morgan, T. J., 214. 


Sabbath School Union, 


[ 450 ] 


INDEX 








“Morning Star, The,” 225. 
Mosher, G. F., 224. 

Moss, Lemuel, 48. 

Maite), 179: 

Mullinsse han Y.-40\n23 2. 
Munday: ) Gi. 245s 

Murdock, J. N., 68, 164, 210, 309. 
Musselman, H. T., 153f. 

Myers, H. S., 179, 234f. 


N 


** National Baptist, The,’ 48, 299, 301. 

National Committee of Colored Baptists, 
246. 

** National Sunday School Teacher,” 336. 

Napoleon, 13. : 

Negroes, work for, 245ff. 

NEI ee ay aye Ols O02) 107s 200,318; 353- 

““New Baptist Praise Book, The,” 42. 

“New Directory for Baptist Churches,” 
56. : 

Newell, Samuel, 267f. 

New England Sabbath School Union, 46, 
68, 118, 120, 123, 127ff., 290, 306. 

New Hampshire Baptist Convention, 56, 
Liye 

New Hampshire Confession of Faith, 56. 

** New Orleans Bethel Union, The,” 12. 

New standard teacher-training course, 155. 

Newton, Isaac, 208. 

Newton Theological Institution, 284, 286, 
299. 

New York Baptist City Mission Society, 
167. 

“New York Baptist Magazine,-The Wes- 
tern,” 44. 

“New York Baptist Register,” 44, 55. 

Nominations, committee on, 372. 

Normal class manual, 15rf. 

“North Carolina Democrat,” 333. 

Northern. Baptist Convention, 57, 156, 
TOAD 77.207. 200lt., 215, 228, 
@5s,Ueesta) S54. 370; 372. 

Northrup, G. W., 68. 

’ Nott, Samuel, 267. 

Nova Scotia, 248. 


O 


Oncken, J. G:, 247, 24o0ff., 290. 
“Osceola,” 102. 

Osgood; Je Rs, 135. 

MOge Little Ones, * °233, 332; 337- 


ip 
Palmers toe D., 135. 
Parables, 4o. 
Parker, A., 118. 


Pastors: and tract distribution, 227; de- 
ficiency in instruction by, 227, 239. 

Peacock el smls ek 7Opr 20. 

Pecks em Vim Onet hn 3 Om odo CO OozaOrt.. 
DUA ge Te Os ta hOA 2OTs (205, 62371-6200, 
BOT 2075 32050340. 

Pendleton, J. M., 40. 

Penfield, Josiah, 241. 

Pengilly, 54f., 117, 248, 250, 253. 

People, rule of common, 4. 

Periodicals,. 44ff., 50, 142ff. 

Philadelphia Association, ro. 

Philadelphia City Tract Society, 220. 

Bierce sein. py c,21 7.0. 

‘* Pilgrim’s Progress, The,” 38. 

Pitt the Great Commoner, 325. 

Pocket lessons, 146, 

Poland, Scriptures donated to, 77. 

Rolkeelisis. 22'5. 

PRollardsehaeb 027750270: 

Pond, Enoch, 275f. 

Prelacy, 58. 

President, 370, 376. 

Price, sia Mey 783. 232: 

Pricésslen gat 3° 

Printing-house, 1g9of. 

Printing-house committee, 388. 

Profits, 198f. 

Promotion days, 198. 

Promotion, General Board of, 207. 

Promotional work, 207. 

Proper, D. D., 230. 

Provence, S. M., 245. 

Pruden, Jay, 96. 

Psalmist, (Lhe, «421. 

Publication, committee on, 376f., 381f. 

Publications, total issues of, 430. 

Public-school religious education, 166. 


Public-school time religious instruction, 
16off, 
Pankittsn) sbi eseee 7. 
Q 


‘‘ Quarterly Theological Review,” 275f. 


R 
Raftety,, W.-h.. £43i:, 107,, 35400-51407. 
Randall, Josiah, 282. 
Randolph, Warren, 90, 134, 136, 140, 320f. 
Rauschenbusch, 57. 
Rawbone, W. G., 255. 
Recording secretary of the Board, 376, 
379f., 382f., 388, 396. 
Recording secretary of the Society, 361, 
30350300,8305,9370. 
Reed Henk .9 3475 413. 
Rees, G. E., 214. 


[ 451 ] 


INDEX 








Reference, committee of, 211, 216. 

Reformation, the, 81. 

** Register, American Baptist,”’ 52. 

“Register, Triennial,” 52. 

“Reign of Grace, 36f., 39. 

Religious education, 16, 136, 150ff., 166, 
pL 

Religious education committee, 388. 

Religious education department, 180, 391f. 

** Religious Education, History of,” 139. 

Religious education secretaries, 180, 388, 
390, 408. 

“Religious Herald, The,”’ 138. 

Religious Tract Society of London, 19, 
AG KE 

Religious Tract Society of the 
Washington, 19. 

“Restatement of Baptist Principles,’’ 315. 

*“ Review and Expositor,’ 277. 

Reynolds, Enoch, 25, 117, 272ff. 

Reynolds, William, 336. 

Rhees, M. J., 118, 290f. 

Rhoades, J. D., 179. 

Rhoszdesie WiaseGa Esyeeras 

Rhoads, Charles, 320f. 

Ricel Luther, 7... asy2sy este 575 2 9A; 
250, 2O7its2ole 24,9202: 

Richards, Miss O. C., 350. 

RileywB ab 20242; 

Riley, W. B., 178. 

Roberts, S. L., 154. 

Robinson, Edward, 39. 

Robinson, E. G., 47. 

Robinsons oH... 1795.21 6t-, 343. 

Rockefeller, J. D., 105. 

Rock Spring Seminary, 294. 

Roger Williams Building, 190, 317. 

Roger Williams Memorial, 44. 

Roman Catholics and week-day religious 
education, 169. 

Rosselle, W: Q., 179, 216f. 

Robern, David, 247. 

Rothwell, W. R., 245. 

Rowland; “Ac J°i 976) 78,214, 232,.310h:, 
336. 

Rue lg le 27.0% 

Rural life, 174. 

Rural work, 218. 

Russian Bible, 76. 

Rust. Coat eato7t: 

Ryland, John, 281. 

Ryland, W. S., 245. 


S 


** Sabbath School Treasury, The,” 12sff., 
172, 222. 
Sabbath schools, 16. 


City of 


Sagebeer, J. E., 179, 217. 

Sampey, J. R., 78. 

Saratoga Convention, 74f. 

Saunders, Marshall, 40, 43. 

DaWy cia enV aemerT Ge 

Schneider, Hilmar, 347. 

Scientific progress at time of the So- 
ciety’s birth, 3. 

“Scripture Comfort for the Bereaved,” 
33. 

Sears, Barnas, 250ff. 

Secretary of religious education, 408. 

Selecting committee, 376f. 


‘Semple, Robert, 8. 


Semple,“R. Bi, 273. 

** Senior Quarterly, The,” 317. 

** Service,’’ 232. 

** Service of Parental Duty and Purpose, 
A,’ 354. 

Service, statistical summary of, 428. 

Seymour, R. G., 98, 140, 214, 3271. 

** Seymour, The Robert G.,’”’ roz2f. 

Shadrach, William, 206, 29off. 

Sharp, Daniel, 19, 126. 

Sharp, Mrs. Daniel, 124. 

Shaw, Joseph, 25. 

Signatures, 396. 

Simmes, —, 25. 

Simmons, J. B., 91. 

** Sinner’s Progress, The,’ 38. 

CSrnelll aea0ge se, Riic 

Smith, —, 232. 

Smith, Boarw., or049e100.,aesi 

Smith, :-Gs Beis. 

SOILD eo LAS 

Smith wyemelyarteesos 

Smuth, “120.47. 

Smith, SF.) 414. 

Social education committee, 388, 394. 

Social education department, 180, 
391f. 

Social education secretary, 388, 390, 408. 

Social service, 166, 171ff, 

Social service and Baptist Brotherhood, 
department of, 173f. 

Social service education, 218. 

Social service secretary, 180. 

Society for the Distribution of Tracts 
Among the Poor, 19. 

Sommers, C. G., 67, 117f. 

South, the, in cooperation with General 
Tract Society, 21. 

South Africa, 255f. 

Southern Baptist Convention, 242. 

Spalding, Cash. 3200, e420 uagor 

Soratts. Os VVeee 232. 

Springer, G. H., 204, 347. 


223; 


[ 452 | 


INDEX 








Spurgeon, Charles, 39. 

Squires,” Va Pa) 170; 

Stadling, Jonas, 254. 

‘“Standard, The,” 139. 

*“Standard Manual for Baptist Churches,” 
43. 

Standard of excellence, 162ff, 

Standing committees, 181. 

State Conventions, of., 91, 154, 159, 196, 
On ie2l yee 2 20% 

Statistics, Baptist, General Tract Society, 
and, 115. 

Statistics, denominational, sof. 

statistics of A.-B. P, S., 428i. 

Staughton, William, 7ff., 14f., 24f., 117, 
77a e2o0lk..) 2931.5 2001., 292, 300, .338- 

Stephenson, E. M., 98f., 160, 256, 320f. 

Stevens, D. G., 354, 407. 

Stevens, W. A., 8o. 

Stevenson, D., 223. 

Stewardship education, 164f. 

“Story of Six Decades, A,’’ 28, 336. 

Sto wembatodsms ee 2Ous Tenn) Of. 222,624.08 
274, 278, 286f. 

Sprartone eden |e.348: 

Strong eALeH.40. 

Suffrage, manhood, 4. 

Summaries of achievements and statistics, 
413. 

Summer assemblies, 154, 158. 

Sunday and Adult School Union of Phila- 
delphia, 113f. 


Sunday-school: advisors, 154, 156; and 
publication committee, 384; books, 
early, 134; centenary, 197; committee, 


Bible and, 384; conventions, national, 
157; helps, 137; missionaries, 135f., 
We OrenlS 540200, 21351233, 32711. periodi- 
cal editor, 180; publications committee, 
388, 394; publications department, 180, 
Bglts se wOrk, 154, 213, 3101: 

“Sunday School Banner, The,” 138. 

Sunday School Council of Evangelical 
Denominations, 224. 

Sunday School Council of Religious Edu- 
Cation ,ur5 5: 

** Sunday-School Gleaner, The,”’ 120. 

Sunday-school Standard, 162ff. 

“Sunday School Teacher, The,” 137. 

** Sunday School Treasury, The,” 12of. 

** Sunday School Worker, The,” 144. 

Sunday schools; and As) Back. 5) 1r2th.s 
and missionary teaching, 165f.; early, in 
Philadelphia, 290; improvement of, 150; 
unconverted teachers in, 236. 

** Superintendent, The,” 144. 

Supplements to charter, 374f. 


*“*Sursum Corda,” 42. 

Sweaen, ana A.B, PF. -S.) 253: 

Swedes, work for, 248. 

Swedish Baptist General Conference of 
America, 248. 

Systematic giving, 210. 


a 

Tauchnitz,C. C., 252. 
Laylor; By C3478: 
Mavlor eH. les 20st: 
avlore janie Bio. 278: 
Teacher-training, 151ff., 153ff., 256. 
Telugus, 321. 
Temperance, literature on, 172ff. 
Ten thousand dollar fund, 196. 
Theology, works on, 3of. 
Thresher, E., 118. 
Torrey, R. A., 107. 
Townsend, D. W., 102. 
Tract house fund, 196. 
“Tract Magazine, The Baptist,” 45, 50, 

PION, PHA). keV, AAO 


Tract Society, Baptist General. (See 
“General Tract Society, Baptist.’’) 
Tracts: and Baptist message, 53f.; and 


Sunday schools, 82, 85; distribution of, 
Sal wueecOl.uss7 iy. veattes) Catlyi Loli 
foreign, 33; for Greece, 249; for the 
unconverted, 235ff.; in Burma, 256; in 
China, 257; in Germany, 240ff.; power 
of, 258f.; usefulness of, 29, 31; varie- 
ties of, 32. 

luca lew Elaetano aeet OTe 

DEreasurer, 150," 370,937.05. 370). 3902s 360; 
390, 3006f. 

‘Treats Mi: Cina. 

Prevotw |i O52 

Triennial Convention, 13ff., 115, 176, 237, 
271, 273, 277, 296, 326, 339. 

‘Triennial Register,”’ 52. 

Trowbridge, Mrs. L. H., 96f. 

Tucker HSe2a3t: 

ictiiye HWeeemh7 O20 7 sto s4 ah. 

Twenty-five thousand dollar building fund, 
196. 

By) 
United Foreign Mission Society of New 


WiOrkee lhe. an. 
Unity, denominational, 48f. 


V 
Vacation schools, 154. 
Vaile rela TOA aT 7:7. 
Valley fund, the, 239. 
Van Meter, W. C., 249. 


[ 453 | 


INDEX 








Van Osdel, O. W., 230, 232. 
Vass, S. N., 206, 246f. 
Vassar, Uncle John, 96. 

** Vehicle, The,” 44. 
Vice-president, 370. 
Vincent, J. He wa37t: 
Vonbrunn, Jacob, 254. 


WwW 


Wade, Mrs., 54, 257. 

Wagons, colportage, o8ff. 

Walker, Jeremiah, 225. 

Walker, J. G., 344. 

Wallace, A. R., 3. 

Waller: J... L23 118: 

Wards). bons 20¢ 

Ward, William, 13, 62, 268. 

Warren, E. R., 118. 

Warren Association, 10. 

Washburn, Hi. 7S..." 685) 130, 33rt. 

Washington, George, 7f. 

SaVWatchman.slhevero.esc: 

“Watchman, The Christian,’ 44. 

Wayland, Francis, 19, 274. 

Wayland, H. L., 48. 

Ways and means, committee of, 376, 378. 

Weaver, Miss E. B., 157, 350. 

Webb, Gio Tss4) pa4a; 238) 

Week-day: and vacation school courses, 
147; religious education, 166ff.; schools, 
154. 

Weeks, Miss N. F., 144, 350. 

WW Viel Ghee ls machi. weer, 072 

Wielehy Ji Bg srr: 

Welch, —, 292f. 

Wesley, John, 19. . 

West Africa, donations of A. B. P: S. 
to, 254. 

Western Baptist Publication and Sunday 
School Society, 295. 

Weston, H. G., 40, 47; 68, 77, 211, 333. 

Wheat, A. C.,° 307. 


104-I—1M—March, 1924 


Whipple, A. B., ror. ., 

White; CLA, 276f, 220: 

White, G,. b°159, 24733301. 

Wiberg, Andreas, 253. 

Wialcoxne|on tine tage: 

Wilkinsvsheaigses 2. 

Williams, Roger, 9, 286. 

Williams, W. R., 41. 

Wilson, Franklin, 164. 

Windisch, Harry, 347. 

Winslow, Octavius, 67. 

Winterton, William, 67. 

Woman’s American Baptist Foreign Mis- 
sion Society, 165. 

Women helpers of the Society, 340f. 

Wood, George, 22ff., 285, 287. 

Woodbury, G. F., roo. 

“* Worker, The,’’ 46. 

Workers, distribution of, 4209. 

World’s Sunday School Association, 224. 

World War, 218. 

“ World-Wide,”’ 146, 165, 350. 

Wyclif, 18. 


x 


Year-Book, American Baptist, 51ff. 

YOungy ro. Gest 7 Omer on 

Voung leno al OS,a0 70 m4 oon 

Young Men’s Bible Society of New York, 
326. 

“Young? People, ; 101, 317. 

“Young People at Work, 
315. 

Young people’s department, 232f. 

‘“ Young People’s Service, The,” 233. 

Young People’s Union, Baptist, 165, 315. 

Young people’s work, 154, 218, 2z20f. 

‘““Young Reaper, The,” 46, 48, 68, 1209f., 
Revhingy MEY, HPL, Ceili 

““Youth’s Department,’ 229. 

“ Youth’s Magazine,” 133. 

““Youth’s World,” 233. 


The; 92301, 


e 


¥ 


are 
is 





Pes 





ee ? a 
ee =e b a © 
. a 2 “Sinan a oe ene a 
aati tn dy iy BT 8 > - — Pe oe 
: et ee ee ee 
le te 4 - ee a ae 


“ 
ieee fi An cers 


~~ a a 





BX6205 .A4B2 
Pioneers of voit the first century of 


al Seminary—Speer Library 


ii MN 


1 1012 00004 0560 





